Title: Factors influencing ethical behaviour in the workplace: the case of schools in Kuwait

Authors: Alexandros Antonaras; Hans Rüdiger Kaufmann; Dolores Sanchez Bengoa; Evi Konstantinidou; Chrysi Memtsa; Waleed Zaki Fraij

Addresses: Department of Management, School of Business, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., CY-2417, Cyprus ' Department of Management, School of Business, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., CY-2417, Cyprus ' Vice President International Relations, University of Applied Management Studies Mannheim, 4-6, Oscar-Meixner-Strasse, D-68163, Germany ' Department of Education, School of Education, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., CY-2417, Cyprus ' Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, School of Business, University of Nicosia 46 Makedonitissas Ave., CY-2417, Cyprus ' Deceased; formerly of: School of Business, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Ave., CY-2417, Cyprus

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to uncover the elements influencing ethical conduct in organisations, specifically within the context of Kuwait's educational system. It presents a conceptual framework derived from various theories and models and follows a Critical Realism approach. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-method design, which involved conducting qualitative interviews followed by a questionnaire survey among educators in both public and private schools in Kuwait. The research model is composed of four key themes: the ethical culture within the organisation, individual ethical inclinations, the influence of national culture, and the element of greed. These themes generally supported the model, with exceptions related to factors representing them. Multiple regression analysis identified significant relationships among these themes and ethical behaviour, excluding congruence of management. The study underscores the importance of conducting country-specific research, as it revealed that variables like greed and cultural elements such as 'wasta' are significant predictors of ethical behaviour in the Arabic context.

Keywords: ethical behaviour; organisational ethical culture; national culture; greed; personal ethical tendencies; schools; Kuwait; wasta.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2023.138948

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2023 Vol.16 No.3, pp.413 - 439

Received: 02 Jan 2024
Accepted: 16 Jan 2024
Published online: 04 Jun 2024 *

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