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The relationship between organizational democracy and socio-moral climate: Exploring effects of the ethical context in organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Armin Pircher Verdorfer

    (Technische Universität München, Germany)

  • Wolfgang G Weber

    (University of Innsbruck, Austria)

  • Christine Unterrainer

    (University of Innsbruck, Austria)

  • Sarah Seyr

    (ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule), Switzerland)

Abstract

A great deal of attention has been devoted recently to the study of the ethical context in organizations. This article refines the concept of socio-moral climate (SCM) and its impact on organizational socialization towards ethics-related behavioural orientations. The authors expand on previous research by focusing also on specific pre-occupational socialization experiences. The empirical research was conducted in northern Italy. Employees from small and medium-sized enterprises with different levels of structurally anchored organizational democracy were surveyed with standardized questionnaire scales. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between structurally anchored organizational democracy, SMC and employees’ attitudes pertaining to prosocial work behaviours, solidarity at work, democratic engagement orientation and organizational commitment. Controlling for pre-occupational socialization experiences, the results provide evidence for a substantial socialization potential linked to structurally anchored organizational democracy and a favourable work environment in terms of SMC.

Suggested Citation

  • Armin Pircher Verdorfer & Wolfgang G Weber & Christine Unterrainer & Sarah Seyr, 2013. "The relationship between organizational democracy and socio-moral climate: Exploring effects of the ethical context in organizations," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 34(3), pages 423-449, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:34:y:2013:i:3:p:423-449
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X12450054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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