Investigating the relationship between perception of an organisation’s ethical culture and worker motivation

Purpose This study aims to examine whether an individual’s perception of the ethical culture of their organisation could be used to predict their work motivation. Design/methodology/approach Using the corporate ethical virtues model as a foundation, the role of distributive justice was explored through the development of a composite measure for assessing ethical organisational culture. The resulting six-factor solution was then used. Australian employees (N = 330; Mage = 38.40) completed an online survey examining perceptions of ethical culture, distributive justice and work motivation. Findings Results indicated that higher work motivation was associated with a higher perception of an organisation’s ethical culture. Additionally, the six dimensions of ethical culture accounted for significant variance in worker motivation, with factors relating to congruency of peers, clarity and feasibility being the best predictors. Originality/value This study provides useful cues for future research and interventions enabling organisations to take a more targeted approach to influence their ethical culture and, consequently, an individual’s motivation to work.