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The relationship between organizational identification and internal whistle-blowing: the joint moderating effects of perceived ethical climate and proactive personality

Author

Listed:
  • Yan Liu

    (Soochow University)

  • Shuming Zhao

    (Nanjing University)

  • Rui Li

    (Soochow University)

  • Lulu Zhou

    (Southeast University)

  • Feng Tian

    (University of Newcastle)

Abstract

Based on the theory of planned behavior, this paper explores the relationship between an employee’s identification with the employing organization (organizational identification) and the employee’s intention to whistle-blow via organizational internal channels (internal whistle-blowing intention), incorporating a joint moderator that combines perceived ethical climate and proactive personality. After analyzing data from 726 employees in China, the results show that organizational identification is positively associated with internal whistle-blowing intention and that the relationship is jointly moderated by perceived ethical climate and proactive personality, i.e. organizational identification more positively predicts internal whistle-blowing intention in individuals who have a high proactive personality and perceive a strong ethical climate. The results are discussed in terms of the implications for theory and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Liu & Shuming Zhao & Rui Li & Lulu Zhou & Feng Tian, 2018. "The relationship between organizational identification and internal whistle-blowing: the joint moderating effects of perceived ethical climate and proactive personality," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 113-134, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:rvmgts:v:12:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s11846-016-0214-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11846-016-0214-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Clark, Daniel R., 2023. "Embracing whistleblowing for enhanced firm self-regulation," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 817-833.
    2. Verschuuren, Pim, 2020. "Whistleblowing determinants and the effectiveness of reporting channels in the international sports sector," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 142-154.
    3. Jeffrey V. Butler & Danila Serra & Giancarlo Spagnolo, 2020. "Motivating Whistleblowers," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 66(2), pages 605-621, February.
    4. Lourdes Arco-Castro & Maria Victoria López-Pérez & Maria Carmen Pérez-López & Lázaro Rodríguez-Ariza, 2020. "Corporate philanthropy and employee engagement," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 705-725, August.
    5. Chu-Mei Liu & Chou-Kang Chiu, 2020. "Modeling turnover intention and job performance: the moderation of perceived benevolent climate," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 611-631, June.
    6. Sebastian Krügel & Matthias Uhl, 2023. "Internal whistleblowing systems without proper sanctions may backfire," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 93(8), pages 1355-1383, October.
    7. Fangjun Xiao & Bernard Wong-On-Wing, 2022. "Employee Sensitivity to the Risk of Whistleblowing via Social Media: The Role of Social Media Strategy and Policy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 181(2), pages 519-542, November.
    8. Changqin Yin & Yajun Zhang & Lu Lu, 2021. "Employee-Oriented CSR and Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior: The Role of Perceived Insider Status and Ethical Climate Rules," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-16, June.
    9. Raghda Abulsaoud Ahmed Younis & Aida Said Moawad Elsaid, 2021. "Enhancing the In-Role Behaviour and Organizational Citizenship Behaviours in the Workplace: A Multidimensional View for the Role of Ethical Climate," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 14(12), pages 1-1, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Internal whistle-blowing intention; Organizational identification; Perceived ethical climate; Proactive personality;
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    JEL classification:

    • M19 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Other

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