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

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.

Citation

Gbadamosi, G. and Joubert, P. (2005), "Money ethic, moral conduct and work related attitudes: Field study from the public sector in Swaziland", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 24 No. 8, pp. 754-763. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710510613762