Personal And Organisational Variables As Predictors Of Unethical Behaviour In The Workplace

Abstract

The study examined the impact of personal attributes on unethical behaviour among employees in various Ministries in Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and sixty-seven Ministry employees were administered with a 26-item Unethical Behaviour Questionnaire. It was hypothesized that gender, family size, age, reward system, length of service and job security are not viable predictors of unethical behaviour in workplace environments. Results showed that gender, family size, job insecurity and perceived underpayment are viable predictors of unethical behaviour. Male employees reported that they indulge in unethical behaviour more than their female counterparts, while employees with heavy family size reported more unethical behaviour than employees in normal family size. Employees who perceive their job as insecure indulge in unethical behaviour more than their counterparts who feel that their job is secure. Underpaid employees reported that they indulge in unethical behaviouir more than employees that receive commensurate pay. The findings of this study were discussed in line with the prevailing economic situations.