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On the dark side of codes: Domination not enlightenment

Author

Listed:
  • Helin, Sven
  • Jensen, Tommy
  • Sandström, Johan
  • Clegg, Stewart

Abstract

In this paper, we show how a middle manager interprets the action of two employees as problematic and how he solves it by using the company's code of ethics as the basis for firing them. Our telling of the story unmasks a darker side of codes and we conceptualize it in terms of power and domination. The paper contributes to the literature on corporate codes of ethics (CCEs) and corporate ethics programs by showing that such codes need not necessarily play an enabling role in organizations. Rather than being instruments of enlightenment and self-regulation, they may be used as instruments to further domination.

Suggested Citation

  • Helin, Sven & Jensen, Tommy & Sandström, Johan & Clegg, Stewart, 2011. "On the dark side of codes: Domination not enlightenment," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 24-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:27:y:2011:i:1:p:24-33
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stansbury, Jason & Barry, Bruce, 2007. "Ethics Programs and the Paradox of Control," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 17(2), pages 239-261, April.
    2. Stewart Clegg & David Courpasson & Nelson Phillips, 2006. "Power and organizations," Post-Print hal-02298067, HAL.
    3. Sven Helin & Johan Sandström, 2007. "An Inquiry into the Study of Corporate Codes of Ethics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 75(3), pages 253-271, October.
    4. Weaver, Gary R. & Treviño, Linda Klebe, 1999. "Compliance and Values Oriented Ethics Programs: Influenceson Employees’ Attitudes and Behavior," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 315-335, April.
    5. Pater, Alberic & Van Gils, Anita, 2003. "Stimulating Ethical Decision-making in a Business Context:: Effects of Ethical and Professional Codes," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 21(6), pages 762-772, December.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Marie LEMAIRE, 2018. ""It's a Bible!" Unexpected use, misuse and non-use of CSR standards among "activist" workers," Working Papers of LaRGE Research Center 2018-08, Laboratoire de Recherche en Gestion et Economie (LaRGE), Université de Strasbourg.
    3. Kladakis, George & Chen, Lei & Bellos, Sotirios K., 2023. "Ethical bank disclosures and liquidity creation," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    4. Guillaume Mercier & Ghislain Deslandes, 2017. "There are no Codes, Only Interpretations. Practical Wisdom and Hermeneutics in Monastic Organizations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 145(4), pages 781-794, November.
    5. Maira Babri & Bruce Davidson & Sven Helin, 2021. "An Updated Inquiry into the Study of Corporate Codes of Ethics: 2005–2016," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 168(1), pages 71-108, January.
    6. Ewa Lombard & Rajna N. GibsonBrandon, 2024. "Do Wealth Managers Understand Codes of Conduct and Their Ethical Dilemmas? Lessons from an Online Survey," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(3), pages 553-572, January.
    7. Luz Esperanza Bohórquez, 2011. "Sistemas de control estratégico y organizacional. Críticas," Revista Ciencias Estratégicas, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, December.
    8. Egels-Zandén, Niklas, 2016. "Not made in China: Integration of social sustainability into strategy at Nudie Jeans Co," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 45-51.

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