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Ethics Programs and Ethical Cultures: A Next Step in Unraveling their Multi-Faceted Relationship

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  • Kaptein, S.P.

Abstract

The objective of an ethics program is to improve the ethical culture of an organization. To date, empirical research treats at least one of these concepts as a one-dimensional construct. This paper demonstrates that by conceptualizing both constructs as multi-dimensional, a better understanding of the relationship between the two concepts can be achieved. Employing the corporate ethical virtues model, eight dimensions of ethical culture are distinguished. Nine components of an ethics program are specified. To assess the relationship between ethical programs and ethical cultures, a survey of 4,056 members of the U.S. working population was conducted. The results show that the relationship between the individual components of an ethics program and ethical culture differs. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaptein, S.P., 2008. "Ethics Programs and Ethical Cultures: A Next Step in Unraveling their Multi-Faceted Relationship," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2008-020-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:12192
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    File URL: https://repub.eur.nl/pub/12192/ERS-2008-020-ORG.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pursey P. M. A. R. Heugens & Muel Kaptein & J. (Hans) van Oosterhout, 2008. "Contracts to Communities: A Processual Model of Organizational Virtue," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(1), pages 100-121, January.
    2. Stansbury, Jason & Barry, Bruce, 2007. "Ethics Programs and the Paradox of Control," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 17(2), pages 239-261, April.
    3. Greenberg, Jerald, 2002. "Who stole the money, and when? Individual and situational determinants of employee theft," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 89(1), pages 985-1003, September.
    4. Muel Kaptein & Mark Schwartz, 2008. "The Effectiveness of Business Codes: A Critical Examination of Existing Studies and the Development of an Integrated Research Model," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 77(2), pages 111-127, January.
    5. Treviño, Linda Klebe & Butterfield, Kenneth D. & McCabe, Donald L., 1998. "The Ethical Context in Organizations: Influences on Employee Attitudes and Behaviors," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 8(3), pages 447-476, July.
    6. Metzger, Michael & Dalton, Dan R. & Hill, John W., 1993. "The Organization of Ethics and the Ethics of Organizations: The Case for Expanded Organizational Ethics Audits," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(01), pages 27-44, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ethical culture; ethics program; virtue theory;
    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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