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Ethics policies, perceived social responsibility, and positive work attitude

Author

Listed:
  • Valentine Sean

    (Department of Management, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, United States of America)

  • Godkin Lynn

    (Department of Management and Marketing, Lamar University, Lamar, United States of America)

Abstract

Employers that emphasise ethics often encourage a variety of positive work-related outcomes, yet the manner inwhich different ethics policies and corporate social responsibility (CSR) enhance employee attitudes is still subject toinvestigation. Consequently, this study explored how ethics training and an ethics code work with perceived social responsibility to encourage positive feelings about work. Using survey data collected from 781 individuals employed in an education-based health science centre, the results indicated that hours of ethics training and a shared ethics code operated through perceived social responsibility to enhance a positive work attitude, measured as job satisfaction and an intention to stay. Creating an ethical environment and emphasising socially responsible business practices should encourage employees to respond more favourably to the workplace. In particular, companies should use ethics codes and training to emphasise CSR, thus enhancing employees’ work attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentine Sean & Godkin Lynn, 2016. "Ethics policies, perceived social responsibility, and positive work attitude," The Irish Journal of Management, Sciendo, vol. 35(2), pages 114-128.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:irjman:v:35:y:2016:i:2:p:114-128:n:1006
    DOI: 10.1515/ijm-2016-0013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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