Scandal prevention through a moral work environment: Case Study from Thailand

Abstract

Purpose

This case study aims to describe a set of human resources practices that can help prevent major scandals that would ruin the reputation of an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed an in-depth case study of a standardized testing company, which has operated in Thailand for decades without a major cheating scandal.

Findings

Referrals-only recruitment, salient moral and religious cues in the workplace, and credible threats of punishments are the key tools the company has used to guard against cheating.

Research limitations/implications

The company’s practices are only appropriate in the context of a collectivist and culturally-homogeneous environment.

Originality/value

This case study represents an original and practical contribution to scandal-prevention strategies.

Citation

Chavengvorakul, K. and Wongsurawat, W. (2017), "Scandal prevention through a moral work environment: Case Study from Thailand", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 15-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-03-2016-0027