Ethical culture as predictor of work motivation: An application of the CEV model

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ethical culture and work motivation, whereby specific dimensions of ethical culture are measured by employing the Corporate Ethical Virtues Model (CEV) developed by Muel Kaptein and his associates. The analysis is based on data collected by means of an online survey conducted in Croatia on a sample of 400 employees of private and public sector organizations. The results presented in the paper show that clarity is rated the highest, while supportability is the lowest-rated ethical virtue in the aforementioned organizations. Ethical culture as a whole is a good predictor of work motivation, with congruence of the management being the most important predictor. An interesting finding of this study is also a negative association between sanctionability and work motivation when all other predictors are being held constant. It is thus concluded that the CEV model represents a good measurement tool with a proven construct validity outside its original social and cultural context. The paper closes with suggestions for future research, especially for a possible broadening of the application of the CEV model.