The influence of ethical climate on rule-bending behavior: A case of a public university
Cynthren L. Bernabem, Rosel L. Dionio & Frocy M. Navarrosa
Abstract
The study, conducted during the academic year 2021–2022, examined the ethical climate and ethical practices among faculty and staff of a state university in the Philippines and their relationship with rule-bending behavior. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5 percent significance level. Participants were academic staff, female, aged 31–40 years, and married. Results revealed that, with regards to ethical climate, participants reported a relatively high level of code and law climate but a lower level of personal morality climate. Correlation analysis showed a weak positive relationship (r = 0.051) between personal morality and rule-bending behavior, suggesting that individual moral considerations can influence employees’ tendency to deviate from rules. In contrast, a negative correlation (r = –0.199) was observed between code and law climate and rule-bending, indicating that adherence to formal rules and professional standards mitigates unethical behavior. These findings suggest that employees primarily rely on external guidelines, such as institutional policies and governmental regulations, to navigate ethical dilemmas. At the same time, personal moral values exert a significant influence on rule-bending, implying that employees may occasionally prioritize personal obligations over organizational norms. The results highlight the importance of fostering an ethical environment that balances formal regulatory frameworks with the cultivation of individual moral awareness, ensuring that employees are guided effectively in both adhering to organizational rules and exercising ethical judgment.
Keywords
moral decision, workplace norms, compliance behavior, institutional culture, employee conduct
Author information & Contribution
Cynthren L. Bernabem. Corresponding author. Faculty, Capiz State University-Mambusao Satellite College. Email: victorianoauh@gmail.com
Rosel L. Dionio. Quality Assurance Director, Capiz State University.
Frocy M. Navarrosa. Program Chair, (BSOA Department), Capiz State University.
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Declaration
The author declares the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the author used OpenAI, Elicit, and Quillbot in finding literature and other materials. The author takes full responsibility in ensuring that research idea, analysis and interpretations are original work.
Notes
This paper is presented in 2nd ICMEI 2025.
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Bernabem, C.L., Dionio, R.L. & Navarrosa, F.M. (2025). The influence of ethical climate on rule-bending behavior: A case study of a public university. The Research Probe, 5(2), 24-36. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.192
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