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The Ethical Climate of Danish Firms: A Discussion and Enhancement of the Ethical-Climate Model

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Abstract

The initial purpose of this study is to provide an empirical validation of Victor and Cullen’s ethical-climate model (1987, Frederick (ed.), Research in Corporate Social Performance and Policy, Vol. 9, pp. 51–71; 1988, Administrative Science Quarterly 33, 101–125; 1990, Frederick and Preston (eds.), Business Ethics: Research Issues and Empirical Studies (JAI Press Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut), pp. 77–97). Testing the model on a sample of Danish firms, this study demonstrates that the empirical model as suggested by Victor and Cullen is much stronger than suggested by previous research. Based on a confirmatory factor model, the results of this study suggest a revised ethical structure. Especially a sixth dimension – own interest – is separated from the original instrumental dimension. Further, this study suggests that the ethical-climate model can be enhanced with the dimension of autonomy deriving from Koys and DeCotiis’ (1991, Human Relations 44(3), 265–285.) dimensional psychological climate instrument.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marketing & Management, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, DK-5230, Denmark

    Jeanette Lemmergaard

  2. Institute of Public Health – Health Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, DK-5230, Denmark

    Jorgen Lauridsen

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  1. Jeanette Lemmergaard
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  2. Jorgen Lauridsen
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Correspondence to Jeanette Lemmergaard.

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Lemmergaard, J., Lauridsen, J. The Ethical Climate of Danish Firms: A Discussion and Enhancement of the Ethical-Climate Model. J Bus Ethics 80, 653–675 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-007-9461-x

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