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Cultural Dimensions, Ethical Sensitivity, and Corporate Governance

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  • Alex Chan
  • Hoi Cheung

Abstract

The economic globalization process has integrated different competitive markets and pushes firms in different countries to improve their managerial and operational efficiencies. Given the recent empirical evidence for the benefits to firms and stakeholders of good corporate governance (CG) practice, it is expected that good CG practice would be a common strategy for firms in different countries to meet the increasingly intense competition; however, this is not the case. This study examines the differences in CG practices in firms across different countries using the concept of ethical sensitivity. Through the regression analysis of 271 firms in 12 countries and regions, it is found that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions can explain the differences in CG practices. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the influence of culture on ethical sensitivity, which eventually determines the CG practices in different regions. Copyright The Author(s) 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Chan & Hoi Cheung, 2012. "Cultural Dimensions, Ethical Sensitivity, and Corporate Governance," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 110(1), pages 45-59, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:110:y:2012:i:1:p:45-59
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-011-1146-9
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    14. Amina Asabe Adamu & Chong Yen Wan & Abdullahi Hassan Gorondutse, 2020. "Ethical Sensitivity and Sustainable Performance of SMEs: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 4(8), pages 78-82, August.
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    17. Rothonis, Stephanie & Tran, Duy & Wu, Eliza, 2016. "Does national culture affect the intensity of volatility linkages in international equity markets?," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 85-95.

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