Measurement and structural properties of organizational codes of ethics in private and public Sweden

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the measurement and structural properties in a model of organizational codes of ethics (OCE) in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement and structural properties of four OCE constructs (i.e. surveillance/training, internal communication, external communication, and guidance) were described and tested in a dual sample based upon private and public sectors of Sweden.

Findings

Results show that the measurement and structural models of OCE in part have a satisfactory fit, validity, and reliability.

Research limitations/implications

The paper makes a contribution to theory as it outlines a set of OCE constructs and it presents an empirical test of and OCE model in respect to measurement and structural properties. A number of research limitations are provided.

Practical implications

It provides a model to be considered in the implementation and monitoring of OCE. The present research provides opportunities for further research in refining, extending, and testing the proposed OCE model in other cultural and organizational settings.

Originality/value

The OCE model extends previous studies that have been predominately descriptive, by using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Citation

Svensson, G., Wood, G. and Callaghan, M. (2010), "Measurement and structural properties of organizational codes of ethics in private and public Sweden", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 549-566. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513551011069022