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Construct Validity of Unobtrusive Measures of Organizational Ethical Climates

Author

Listed:
  • M. Fernanda Wagstaff

    (The University of Texas At El Paso)

  • Gabriela L. Flores

    (Southwestern University)

  • Albert Cannella

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Sayan Sarkar

    (University of Mary Washington)

  • Christine Choirat

    (Swiss Data Science Center, ETH Zürich and EPFL)

Abstract

Prior studies have examined the relationship between organizational ethical climates and an array of work-related attitudes and behaviors. However, current research is hampered by the lack of knowledge on how ethical climates relate to organizational outcomes. To advance research on this topic, we developed three unobtrusive measures of organizational ethical climates based on words used in annual letters to shareholders of Fortune 500 companies and examine how organizational ethical climates relate to corporate reputation and a readability index. Results reveal that our measures of organizational ethical climates align with well-known reputation measures as well as the overall readability of letters to shareholders. Our theory and evidence open a novel path for both researchers and practitioners to benefit from an initial validation of measures of organizational ethical climates in studying corporate reputation.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Fernanda Wagstaff & Gabriela L. Flores & Albert Cannella & Sayan Sarkar & Christine Choirat, 2021. "Construct Validity of Unobtrusive Measures of Organizational Ethical Climates," Corporate Reputation Review, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 24(3), pages 158-177, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:crepre:v:24:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1057_s41299-020-00100-6
    DOI: 10.1057/s41299-020-00100-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Monique L. Bell, 2023. "Thinking Outside of the Firm: Self-Transcendence Values’ Effects on Corporate Reputation," Corporate Reputation Review, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 26(2), pages 150-165, May.

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