Money ethic, moral conduct and work related attitudes: Field study from the public sector in Swaziland

Authors: Gbadamosi, Gbolahan; Joubert, Patricia

Source: The Journal of Management Development, Volume 24, Number 8, 2005 , pp. 754-763(10)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose - This study aims to investigate perception of ethical and moral conduct in the public sector in Swaziland, specifically, the relationship among: money ethic, attitude towards business ethics, corruption perception, turnover intention, job performance, job satisfaction, and the demographic profile of respondents. Design/methodology/approach - The study was a survey using self-administered questionnaires. Using stratified sampling technique in selected organisations, usable data were collected from 83 public sector employees in Swaziland. Findings - Results indicated significant relationship among money ethic, attitude towards business ethics, turnover intention and job performance. The importance of money as a motivator was also demonstrated. Respondents hold that civil servants' involvement in corruption is high and that bribery and corruption is widespread in Swaziland. Research limitations/implications - The sample size was small and hence limits generalisation of findings, but provides preliminary information for a larger study. The need to enrich future studies with in-depth follow-up interviews was noted. Practical implications - The respondents' perception of widespread corruption calls for a reinvigoration of government anti-graft efforts and the need to promote ethical consciousness in the country. Originality/value - This paper has demonstrated the importance of ethical awareness, the importance of money as a motivator and the state of corruption in another cultural setting - Swaziland.

Keywords: Corruption; Ethics; Money; Public sector organizations; Swaziland

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/02621710510613762

Publication date: 2005-09-01