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Abstract
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Article Information:
Codes of Ethics of Selected Malaysian Companies: Contents, Processes and Effectiveness
L.J. Fredericks and Heng Kiah Ngan
Corresponding Author: L.J. Fredericks
Submitted: 2010 November, 11
Accepted: 2010 December, 18
Published: 2011 February, 15 |
Abstract:
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Corporate codes of ethics attempt to influence and institutionalize the primary corporate values and
behavioural norms in employees particularly and such other stakeholders as customers and suppliers. This study
focuses on the contents, processes and efficacy of Malaysian corporate codes applying a questionnaire survey
and code content analysis of corporations drawn from selected lists. Code occurrence was high among
Malaysian companies although, given the relatively small respondent number, no clear links appear between
demographics and the adoption of ethical codes. Codes tended to be modeled on extant documents (other
companies, headquarters or industry) indicating little, if any, stakeholder participation while its administration
was vested primarily with management. Malaysian ethical codes are rule-based, legalistic documents preserving
the company’s interests although some tendency towards becoming more value-laden and embedding moral
foundations were discerned. Codes were primarily distributed to employees with little ethical training provided.
Code enforcement was reflected in facilities for reporting violations, formal disciplinary procedures and
avenues for staff to seek advice or offer suggestions. However, confidentiality issues cloud the effectiveness
of this feedback mechanism. Most employees felt that code enforcement was central to the perception of its
efficacy. Some cross-cultural comparisons are also analyzed.
Key words: Code administration, code content, code creation, code effectiveness, code implementation, codes of ethics, conduct against employees/public, conduct against the firm, explicit/implicit intentions, value- versus rule-based
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Cite this Reference:
L.J. Fredericks and Heng Kiah Ngan, . Codes of Ethics of Selected Malaysian Companies: Contents, Processes and Effectiveness. Asian Journal of Business Management, (1): 50-71.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-8752
ISSN (Print): 2041-8744 |
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