An Ethical Work Climate and its Consequences among Food-service Franchise Employees

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effect of ethical values and an ethical work climate (EWC) (responsibility, unethical peer behaviors, and selling orientation) on organizational trust, and organizational commitment (affective and continuance commitment), which in turn influence turnover intentions to acquire a competitive edge in a competitive world. Data were obtained from 276 employees of food-service franchised companies in Korea. The results suggest that an EWC mediates the relationship between ethical values and organizational trust, which in turn has a positive influence on organizational commitment and turnover intention. Contributions and directions for future study are discussed.

Key words:

• ethical values
• ethical work climate
• organizational trust
• organizational commitment
• turnover intention