Workplace spirituality and nepotism-favouritism in selected ASEAN countries: the role of gender as moderator

Abstract

Purpose

Many scholars of business ethics have emphasised for new research theories and methods that make a substantial contribution to improving business ethical practices and standards globally. This study aims to explore the impact of workplace spirituality and its four dimensions-meaningful at work, transcendence, mindfulness and compassion over the nepotism-favouritism in ASEAN Region. This study also contributes to literature by investigating role of gender over the association of workplace spirituality, and its dimensions with nepotism-favouritism.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires from employees of the service sector working in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. SPSS and SmartPLS software were used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that there is significant negative impact of workplace spirituality on the nepotism-favouritism. Four dimensions-meaningful at work, transcendence, mindfulness and compassion has significantly negative influence on nepotism/favouritism. With change of gender, impact of workplace spirituality and its three dimensions-meaningful at work, compassion and transcendence exhibit varying influence on the nepotism-favouritism, which indicates presence of moderating effect. This study concludes with no moderating impact of gender over the association of mindfulness and nepotism-favouritism.

Originality/value

This study presents empirical evidence from ASEAN region, which is useful for practitioners to abolish corruption in the context of nepotism-favouritism.

Citation

Iqbal, Q. and Ahmad, N.H. (2020), "Workplace spirituality and nepotism-favouritism in selected ASEAN countries: the role of gender as moderator", Journal of Asia Business Studies, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 31-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-01-2018-0019