Leader Self-Perceptions of Ethics In and Out of the Workplace and Personal Trustworthiness

Leader Self-Perceptions of Ethics In and Out of the Workplace and Personal Trustworthiness by Marcia W. Vanderwood MS, Walden University, 2014 BS, Hawaii Pacific University, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University August 2018 Abstract Ethical breaches in many organizations can be traced to failures in ethical leadership, which undermine trust. If a leader’s ethical behavior in their private life and settings is perceived as influencing workplace ethics, it may in turn affect organizational trust levels and the development of trust. A quantitative study based on the social learning and moral theory was conducted to determine whether a difference exists between a leader’s selfperceptions of their ethical behaviors inside and outside of the workplace, and whether it affects their perceived personal trustworthiness. Participants’ (N = 94) scores on work and nonwork versions of the ethical leadership scale were compared using a pairedsamples t test, which determined no significant differences in their ethical behaviors inside and outside of the workplace. Then multiple regression analyses were conducted, which indicated that the model containing both independent variables regarding ethical behavior inside and outside the workplace significantly predicted changes in the dependent variable personal trustworthiness: F (7, 86) = 6.025, p < . 001. The model explained 27% of the variance in personal trustworthiness. The model also significantly predicted changes in scores related to propensity to trust; F (10, 83) = 3.692, p < . 001. The model explained 23% of the variance in propensity to trust. This research will aid leaders in understanding more about the perception of their own ethics and how this plays into the cultivation of trust. It also has implications that may influence leadership among all types of work environs, including government organizations and industry.Ethical breaches in many organizations can be traced to failures in ethical leadership, which undermine trust. If a leader’s ethical behavior in their private life and settings is perceived as influencing workplace ethics, it may in turn affect organizational trust levels and the development of trust. A quantitative study based on the social learning and moral theory was conducted to determine whether a difference exists between a leader’s selfperceptions of their ethical behaviors inside and outside of the workplace, and whether it affects their perceived personal trustworthiness. Participants’ (N = 94) scores on work and nonwork versions of the ethical leadership scale were compared using a pairedsamples t test, which determined no significant differences in their ethical behaviors inside and outside of the workplace. Then multiple regression analyses were conducted, which indicated that the model containing both independent variables regarding ethical behavior inside and outside the workplace significantly predicted changes in the dependent variable personal trustworthiness: F (7, 86) = 6.025, p < . 001. The model explained 27% of the variance in personal trustworthiness. The model also significantly predicted changes in scores related to propensity to trust; F (10, 83) = 3.692, p < . 001. The model explained 23% of the variance in propensity to trust. This research will aid leaders in understanding more about the perception of their own ethics and how this plays into the cultivation of trust. It also has implications that may influence leadership among all types of work environs, including government organizations and industry. Leader Self-Perceptions of Ethics In and Out of the Workplace and Personal Trustworthiness by Marcia W. Vanderwood MS, Walden University, 2014 BS, Hawaii Pacific University, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University August 2018 Dedication There are times when words are not adequate to express enough gratitude. This is one of those times, but I want to make an attempt, however inadequate my words may seem. The lion and hero of my life, my husband Rex, who supported me every step, in every way, deserves all possible thanks, and has all my love eternally. The One who inspired me to take on this endeavor, and was with me through every class, every paper, and every attempt at this endeavor, my God Almighty, whom I can never thank enough for my life, my family, and my future. The man who took my project on when others said I did not have the ability, my amazing chair Dr. John K. Schmidt, who epitomizes the example of the perfect chair. And finally, my family who cheered me on through thick and thin, who were patient when I had to study, and my friends who stuck by me even when I had little time to offer them. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.