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Developing and Testing a Measure for the Ethical Culture of Organizations: The Corporate Ethical Virtues Model

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  • Kaptein, S.P.

Abstract

Based on four interlocking empirical studies, this paper initially validates and refines the Corporate Ethical Virtues Model which formulates normative criteria for the ethical culture of organizations. The findings of an exploratory factor analysis provide support for the existence of eight unidimensional subscales: clarity, congruency of supervisors, congruency of management, feasibility, supportability, transparency, discussability, and sanctionability. The findings of a confirmatory factor analysis show that the overall fit of the model is quite high. Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity is also found. The resulting 58-item self-reporting questionnaire is a useful tool that can be used in future research and by managers in assessing the ethical culture of their organization.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaptein, S.P., 2007. "Developing and Testing a Measure for the Ethical Culture of Organizations: The Corporate Ethical Virtues Model," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2007-084-ORG, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:10770
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    File URL: https://repub.eur.nl/pub/10770/ERS-2007-084-ORG.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    construct development; culture; ethics; factor analysis; virtues;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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