Unethical pro-organizational behavior: how employee ethical ideology and unethical organizational culture contribute
International Journal of Manpower
ISSN: 0143-7720
Article publication date: 3 November 2022
Issue publication date: 31 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The corporate atmosphere in recent times speaks volumes about the crises of confidence and credibility brewing among professionals due to the rising incidences of unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). The study developed a model to demonstrate the underlying mechanisms through which unethical organizational culture (UOC) influences UPB through the mediating roles of idealism and relativism.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-sectional approach, data were collected through questionnaires that were distributed to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Plateau state in Nigeria. A total of 269 responses were obtained and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique via Smart-PLS software.
Findings
The results revealed that the relationship between UOC and UPB was significant. The indirect predictive role of UOC on UPB was established via relativism but not through idealism. The results indicate that the preponderance of UPB among SMEs is a product of UOC which breeds a relativist ideology that ultimately promotes UPB. Finally, implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Originality/value
This study contributes to UPB in two unique ways. First, the authors bring to the fore the critical role of UOC in the debate on UPB which has been under-explored. Second, the study also established the mediating role of relativism in the relationship between UOC and UPB.
Keywords
Citation
Vem, L.J., Cheah, J.-H., Ng, S.I. and Ho, J.A. (2023), "Unethical pro-organizational behavior: how employee ethical ideology and unethical organizational culture contribute", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 577-598. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-11-2021-0635
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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