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The Nature of the Relationship between Corporate Codes of Ethics and Behaviour

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Abstract

A study was conducted in order to examine the relationship between corporate codes of ethics and behaviour. Fifty-seven interviews of employees, managers, and ethics officers were conducted at four large Canadian companies. The study found that codes of ethics are a potential factor influencing the behaviour of corporate agents. Reasons are provided why codes are violated as well as complied with. A set of eight metaphors are developed which help to explain how codes of ethics influence behaviour.

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  1. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A.

    M. Schwartz

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Schwartz, M. The Nature of the Relationship between Corporate Codes of Ethics and Behaviour. Journal of Business Ethics 32, 247–262 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010787607771

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