Search results

1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 18 October 2019

Benjamin Kakavand, Jean-Pierre Neveu and Aria Teimourzadeh

The purpose of this paper is to provide elements for human resource management to better understand workplace corruption in order to prevent and to manage corrupt behaviors at…

1240

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide elements for human resource management to better understand workplace corruption in order to prevent and to manage corrupt behaviors at work.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a quantitative research methodology (n=575) is used; the sample is selected from French public sector employees. Multiple regression analysis assesses the impact on corrupt behaviors (e.g. bribary and property deviance) of selected determinant psychological resources (e.g. powerlessness, distributive and procedural justice and sense of mastery).

Findings

Main results highlight that sense of mastery, distributive justice and procedural justice have a negative impact on workplace corruption, whereas powerlessness has a positive impact on workplace corruption. The direct impact and relationships that are explored between selected determinant psychological resources and workplace corruption contribute to the literature on corrupt acts and conservation of resources (COR) theory. Sense of mastery, power, procedural and distributive justices are considered as personal resources for employees at workplace. Individuals thoughtfully engage in corrupt acts and behaviors as a defensive move to protect perceived threats on valued motivation factors.

Research limitations/implications

At an empirical level, the research is limited to a sample from public sector employees. Similar to the structures of public and private organizations, which are different, determinants of organizational corruption in public and private sectors are also different. Another main limitation is the cross-sectional design. Investigating motivation-based dynamics of corruption would benefit from longitudinal methodology.

Practical implications

The present research suggests that a COR-based management of human resources can be of functional use on at least two grounds. First, COR theory shifts the perspective from a moral and macro-economic issues to a psychological plane. Second, and by staying in tune with motivational processes, a COR-based management is suited to prevent corrupt mechanisms fueled by frustrated or endangered motivational resources.

Originality/value

On the basis of an original taxonomy of workplace corruption, a research model is developed using the framework of COR theory (Hobfoll, 1989). As a non-inductive approach, corruption is considered from the standpoint of a rational defensive attitude on the part of employees seeking to preserve valued psychological resources. A COR-based perspective also allows for a preventive “salutogenic” management style of corrupt behaviors.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2008

Peter Rodgers, Colin C. Williams and John Round

The purpose of this paper is to explore the criminal workplace activities of both employers and employees in Ukrainian enterprises. It challenges traditional definitions of…

1088

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the criminal workplace activities of both employers and employees in Ukrainian enterprises. It challenges traditional definitions of corruption and suggests that the practices that can be observed fit into the category of organised crime because of the country's economic framework. The paper also explores how the practices are partially a legacy of Soviet economic processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 700 household surveys were completed in three cities, Kyiv (where 450 surveys were completed), Uzhgorod (150) and Kharkiv (100). To complement these, approximately 25 in‐depth interviews were undertaken with workers in each region. Furthermore, ethnographic observations and “kitchen table” interviews also played an important role in the research. Although the research was oriented towards those working in informal economies, business owners (both formal and informal) were also interviewed.

Findings

As well as revealing the endemic nature of corruption in Ukrainian workplaces and the high levels of informal activity undertaken by workers, the research found that many people wish for their workplace to become more regulated.

Research limitations/implications

Further interviews could have been carried out with state officials and in more locations. The implications are multiple but mainly they demonstrate the difficulty that those charged with economic reform in Ukraine must face.

Originality/value

It is one of the first studies to explore these issues in Ukraine using a variety of research methods.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 35 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2020

Ma. Regina M. Hechanova and Jason O. Manaois

The purpose of this study is to provide a structural model of the role of ethical leadership on intent to whistle blow workplace corruption using the theory of planned behaviors.

1462

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a structural model of the role of ethical leadership on intent to whistle blow workplace corruption using the theory of planned behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed method, sequential design. Interviews were conducted in the first phase to identify corrupt practices and validate the salience of the variables in the study. The second phase administered surveys to test the hypotheses of the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was done to analyze structural relationships among variables.

Findings

SEM results showed an adequately fit model, indicating ethical leadership predicting organizational norms and controls. It also found that ethical leadership has indirect effect toward employees’ attitude toward corruption through organizational norms and control. Furthermore, ethical leadership also has indirect effect on intent to whistle blow through organizational controls.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in the Philippines, a high-power distance culture. In such a culture, the influence of leadership is crucial, as it dictates standard behaviors of members and the organization as a whole. Future research may wish to explore whether the findings would also apply in low-power distance cultures.

Practical implications

The finding suggests that ethical leadership is crucial in shaping organizational norms and controls, which in turn, influences employees’ attitude toward corruption and their intention to whistle blow.

Originality/value

The study contributes to corruption literature by providing empirical evidence of the structure model how the role of ethical leadership shapes organizational norms and controls that, in turn, influences employee attitude toward corruption and intent to whistle blow.

Details

International Journal of Law and Management, vol. 62 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-243X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 3 July 2018

Soha Bou Chabke and Gloria Haddad

The aim of this research is to study the implications of the human resources management practices on corruption in humanitarian aid as the phenomenon is under-researched (Akbar &…

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the implications of the human resources management practices on corruption in humanitarian aid as the phenomenon is under-researched (Akbar & Vujic, 2014; Melo & Quinn, 2015) and considered to be a hot topic since the determinants of corruption from an individual perspective have been scarcely discussed in the non-profit sector (Epperly & Lee, 2015; Mohiuddin & Dulay, 2015).

This research adopts grounded theory as a method and builds upon long experience in the humanitarian aid sector to generate theory from field observations and from 30 interviews conducted with respondents working in humanitarian organisations. The data collected from interviews was compared to observations data, leading the way to validating and expanding the findings.

The findings of this study are related to human resources administration weaknesses which appear to be directly linked to corruption in humanitarian aid. These weaknesses include issues in relation to Terms of Reference and organisational charts, irregularities in staff selection procedures, the short-termism of contracts, poor talent management, a lack of ethics awareness and mismanaged cultural diversity.

This study suffers from a few limitations pertaining to the sensitivity of the context, confidentiality issues, retrospection in some cases and possible bias resulting from staff frustration. These were dealt with through ensuring interviewees' utmost anonymity in publishing the results and through cross-checking answers of respondents from within the same organisation.

This research proposes a corruption preventive model which serves as a tool driving better human resources practices in humanitarian aid, and highlights the dangerous impact of corruption and raises awareness among humanitarian aid managers and workers about the importance of preventing it so that more vulnerable people are reached and that the donated money fulfils its intended target. The chapter brings value to research on humanitarian aid as it considers the corruption phenomenon with new lenses; focusing on individuals rather than on systems thus opening new horizons of study away from the traditional stream of research on service delivery.

Details

Hybridity in the Governance and Delivery of Public Services
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-769-2

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 October 2020

Festim Tafolli and Sonja Grabner-Kräuter

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) and perceived organizational corruption (POC) in a developing…

5038

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) and perceived organizational corruption (POC) in a developing country context. The research suggests mediating roles of perceived ethical leadership (PEL) and job satisfaction (JS) in the PCSR–POC relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through survey questionnaires. The sample consisted of 434 employees working in private and public organizations in Kosovo. Regression analysis was conducted by using a serial mediation model.

Findings

Applying a social learning framework, this study provides evidence that employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) are positively related to perceived ethical leadership and job satisfaction and negatively related to perceived organizational corruption. Furthermore, results confirm that the relationship between CSR perception and organizational corruption perception is mediated by ethical leadership perception and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Armed with the findings, organizations can adopt CSR practices to positively influence employee behaviors and attitudes. From these results, it is possible to better comprehend the role of CSR in dealing with relevant aspects such as corruption at the organizational level, especially in developing and emerging markets.

Social implications

The findings of this research indicate that employees in socially responsible organizations perceive less organizational corruption. Adopting a more ethical and responsible management approach might represent a promising solution to fight the corruption phenomenon inside and even outside organizations. These results should serve as reflection for both managers and public authorities.

Originality/value

With regard to CSR, previous studies have investigated different employee outcomes but never considered the potential impact on corruption at the organizational level. Furthermore, this study extends the literature by conceptualizing perceived ethical leadership and job satisfaction as mediators between perceived CSR and organizational corruption perception, in a developing country context where the concept of CSR is still less investigated.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 20 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2020

Andrea Tomo, Ernesto De Nito, Paolo Canonico, Gianluigi Mangia and Stefano Consiglio

The literature on corruption and whistleblowing is increasing over the past years. However, the authors contend that individual reactions to a corrupt proposal could differ from…

Abstract

Purpose

The literature on corruption and whistleblowing is increasing over the past years. However, the authors contend that individual reactions to a corrupt proposal could differ from the mentioned behaviours. On these grounds, the authors contend that a “grey zone” between accepting corruption and whistleblowing does exist. This paper aims to explore what are the behaviours defining this “grey zone” as nuanced behaviours adopted to react to a corrupt proposal.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw from Miceli and Near’s process of whistleblowing to open the scope for the comprehension of grey behaviours in the decision-making process following to a triggering event. The authors adopted a qualitative and explorative approach by interviewing 27 Italian public servants through open questions and storytelling to explore what kind of behaviours could define the grey zone.

Findings

The findings unveil nuanced behaviours in the grey zone configuring neither as corruption nor whistleblowing, ranging from ignoring the corrupt proposal to explicit contraposition. Also, they reveal different social and individual outcomes affecting future relationships in organizations. The findings allow to extend Miceli and Near’s process of whistleblowing to the wider spectrum of response behaviours to triggering events such as receiving or assisting to a corrupt proposal.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations might be recognized in that the situations detected could be only a part of a possible wider “grey zone”. However, the authors believe that the findings could encourage future research to continue exploring the grey zone to enrich its comprehension. Also, the paper offers useful and interesting insights on an undebated issue that has a prominent value under the theoretical, practical, social and policymaking perspectives.

Practical implications

From the practical and policymaking perspective, the advancement of a debate contending the existence of a grey zone made of nuanced behaviours between corruption and whistleblowing could provide support both for organizations and policymakers to a better understanding of individual behaviours and improving actions and policies to prevent corruption and encourage whistleblowing.

Originality/value

As the authors are at least unaware of studies debating on the grey zone with specific reference to corruption and whistleblowing, the paper advances a discussion on the grey zone between corruption and whistleblowing as a continuum of nuanced behaviours that could provide a starting point for further fine-grained analyses.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2023

Nor Farizal Mohammed, Norziana Lokman, Norazida Mohamed and Norsuhaily Abu Bakar

From 2000 to 2021, the Malaysian corruption perception index demonstrated a declining tendency, identifying Malaysia as a highly corrupt nation. Corruption in the nation has…

Abstract

Purpose

From 2000 to 2021, the Malaysian corruption perception index demonstrated a declining tendency, identifying Malaysia as a highly corrupt nation. Corruption in the nation has become a social cancer that has impacted the workplace and political climate. Using Dewey’s (1937) theory of education and social change, this paper argues that anti-corruption education is a tool for reforming the corruption culture of a nation. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to explore and understand the current anti-corruption education in Malaysian educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of this study were derived from a qualitative content analysis of 20 Google News articles, an interview with the sole implementation agency, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and a literature assessment of MACC publications. Due to a dearth of preceding study and journal publications on the topic, this type of qualitative content analysis of news has been applied in prior studies.

Findings

The results indicate that anti-corruption education has been implemented in the primary, secondary and higher education institutions in Malaysia. Nonetheless, the concept and implementation are inadequate, superficial and insufficient. The analysis advises more inclusive techniques for delivering anti-corruption education for social transformation.

Originality/value

Prior research has focussed on laws and regulations to prosecute the corrupt, but has underrated the ability of education to alter the corruption culture. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first journal paper, written on anti-corruption education in Malaysia. This study sets the way for further anti-corruption education studies in the future. This line of research will provide insights for the nation’s policymaking, which aims to create a nation free of corruption and capable of sustaining itself.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2012

Mari‐Liis Sööt

The purpose of the study reported in this article is to examine the role of management in establishing anti‐corruption organisational culture in law enforcement agencies. The…

2332

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study reported in this article is to examine the role of management in establishing anti‐corruption organisational culture in law enforcement agencies. The study focuses on organisational perspectives on corruption and on the views of managers regarding the tackling of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses qualitative data gathered from the Estonian law enforcement agencies. It is based on nine semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with top managers of various Estonian law enforcement agencies.

Findings

The findings of the study show that managers' beliefs may reinforce an organisational culture that systematically downplays the importance of anti‐corruption work. The study outlines major impediments likely to counteract successful implementation of anti‐corruption policies in law enforcement agencies: corruption is seen as a problem of the street level staff, individual staff members' ability to resist corruption is considered to be determined by their knowledge of the relevant legal definitions and sanctions, control methods are considered to be the most effective means of curbing corruption.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses exclusively on the values and role of managers. As noted by early researchers (e.g. Trevino) of the field, managers are not very likely to allow their values to be measured and analysed. The reluctance by most academics directly to approach top managers of law enforcement agencies makes studies such as the one reported below a complex endeavour in most countries. Top managers tend to shun open discussions of corruption – especially in relation to their organisations. Any views they express on the subject tend to be protective of their organisation and are usually intended for the record.

Practical implications

The study helps to understand the reasons that contribute to failure of anti‐corruption policies and points to the relevant general shortcomings in managerial skills. By identifying these reasons and shortcomings, the study paves the way to remedial training and critical self‐assessment.

Originality/value

Besides, the fact that managerial attitudes about corruption have not been studied earlier in Estonia, this study contributes to the overall understanding of managerial attitudes and their relation to corruption in an organisation. This is important for improving our theoretical understanding of corruption in organisations and contributing to the value‐based approach to corruption.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Magda Siahaan, Harry Suharman, Tettet Fitrijanti and Haryono Umar

The phenomenon of corruption requires extra handling to achieve zero corruption. The purpose of this paper is to examine the integrated governance, risk management and compliance…

Abstract

Purpose

The phenomenon of corruption requires extra handling to achieve zero corruption. The purpose of this paper is to examine the integrated governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) implementation, the quality of internal audits and management's commitment to improving the ability to detect corruption and its impact on the company's financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used primary and secondary data. Financial statement data and survey results from participants in 69 state-owned companies were analyzed using the Partial Least Square method.

Findings

There was a positive and significant effect of the integrated GRC implementation, quality of internal audit and management's commitment to increasing the organization's internal capability in detecting corruption. However, the failure to detect corruption mediates the effect of management commitment on financial performance. Besides, the organization's three internal factors could be better because their functions could be more optimal and require further improvement.

Research limitations/implications

State-owned companies are continuing to be restructured, so these results can be helpful for now. However, they must update continuously with developments related to the composition and classification of state-owned companies.

Practical implications

Organizations can improve their ability to detect corruption in the workplace by using an early warning system such as the integrated GRC, internal audit quality and a high commitment from management.

Originality/value

To the author's limited knowledge, empirical research on integrated GRC implementation, internal audit quality and management commitment are still rare if they improve the detection of corruption ability. It uses the factors that cause corruption in the fraud hexagon to analyze the financial performance.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Nimet Kalkan and Muhammet Negiz

Spirituality is a concept that explains the spiritual dimension of human beings. Meaning of life, being together, and the bigger one's existence are the components of…

Abstract

Spirituality is a concept that explains the spiritual dimension of human beings. Meaning of life, being together, and the bigger one's existence are the components of spirituality. In that manner, workplace spirituality is an area that endeavors to find the meaning of the work together with the community. Research reveals that workplace spirituality has several dimensions, and inner life, sense of community, and meaning at work are validly used. Though developing in the research area, misunderstandings and misuses of the phenomenon causes several dark sides. In this context, this chapter aims to reveal these in five aspects to contribute to enhancing the literature. The ambiguity in defining spirituality and religion is the first dark point in understanding workplace spirituality. Accepting spiritual executions at work as a tool for profitability is the second. The scarcity of awareness of executive leaders about workplace spirituality is the other. Considering the studies on workplace spirituality as a fad and the expected difficulties in developments about the area is the fourth. Finally, workplace spirituality-based misbehaviors at work are the last dark side, addressed in this study. In addition to the explanations in its content, the authors present a bibliometric analysis conducted by R. The chapter concludes with general evaluations and suggestions for future studies.

Details

Spirituality Management in the Workplace
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-450-0

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000