Bloemfontein
Ethical behaviour and autonomy
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| Ethical behaviour and autonomy
The results indicate a statistically significant inverse relationship (p≤0,05) between autonomy and levels of ethical behaviour. This indicates that individuals who achieve a high score on autonomy, achieve low scores on levels of ethical behaviour. Bearing in mind that low scores indicate a high level of ethical behaviour, individuals who achieve a high score on autonomy therefore have greater levels of ethical behaviour. The aforementioned results are supported by the findings of pre- vious research studies (see par. 4). On the basis of the above-mentioned data the null hypothesis is consequently rejected and the theoretical hypothesis accepted. This means that there is a statistically significant relationship between lo- cus of control and ethical behaviour among employees in the financial sector in Bloemfontein. 7. Conclusions and recommendations Although the above-mentioned results are supported by previous research (see par. 4), this article provides a demonstration of the way in which locus of control may influence ethical behaviour among employees working in the financial sector. Based on the results and discussion of results, it is clear that employees in the financial sector with a prominent internal locus of control, have greater levels of ethical behaviour. Employees in the financial sector with a high score on autonomy also have greater levels of ethical behaviour. In contrast, employees with a prominent external locus of control (and low levels of autonomy), have lower levels of ethical behaviour (meaning poor ethical behaviour). The results of the study can be utilised in further development of strategies and interventions to minimise unethical behaviour in the financial sector, as well as in organisations in general. The following can be done: • Implement programs that focus on the development of an internal locus of control among employees. Employees must be taught to take responsibility for their actions and must be rewarded should such behaviour be exhibited. Research (Boshoff, 2001:43-48) indicated that the following personality attributes are related to internal locus of control: −
being independent; E. Boshoff & E.S. van Zyl Koers 76(2) 2011:283-303
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being controlled and self-disciplined; −
being self-sufficient, prefers own decisions and being re- sourceful; −
being conscientious and persevering. The development of the above-mentioned personality factors can be focused on with regard to programs with the view to develop- ment of an internal locus of control. • Ethics training courses must be presented within the organisa- tional context. Focus must be placed specifically on the ethical approaches available during decision-making. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach must also be highlighted. It is important that individuals are aware of their dominant decision- making approach. The Work Convictions Questionnaire (Boshoff, 2009:278-281), which provides a measure of the philosophical approaches regarding ethical decision-making, can be used for this purpose. Further research regarding the relationship between individual characteristics (such as locus of control) and an in- dividual’s prominent ethical decision-making approach is also needed. • Given the important role which religion plays in the establishment of the individual’s value system and the regulation of behaviour, it is also vital that religion be incorporated within ethics courses. Religious institutions can play a pivotal role by allowing represen- tatives to act as guest speakers. Here, emphasis must be placed specifically on the establishment of certain universal values within the organisational context (e.g. respect for all, incorruptibility, integrity, fairness, honesty) which apply to all individuals in any given circumstance. • In the light of the role that locus of control plays in an individual’s level of ethical behaviour, it is also important that organisations take these factors into account during the selection of employees. 8. Limitations and opportunities for future research Future research can focus on the effect of biographical variables on the relationship between locus of control and ethical behaviour. By focusing on the effect of inter alia gender, age, managerial level and home language on the relationship between locus of control and ethical behaviour, more accurate recommendations can be made. The relationship between locus of control & ethical behaviour … in the financial sector 300
To fully understand the complexity of the findings of the current study it is suggested that a more representative sample be obtained. Furthermore, it is also suggested that in order to get a more detailed description of the relationship between locus of control and ethical behaviour, as well as to improve understanding of this complex rela- tionship, future studies can employ more than one variable together with suitable statistical techniques to model this relationship (for instance multiple-regression analyses and structural-equation mo- delling).
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