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Examining the Link Between Ethical Leadership and Employee Misconduct: The Mediating Role of Ethical Climate

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Abstract

Drawing on theory and research on ethical leadership and ethical climate, we examine ethical climate as a mediator of the relationship between ethical leadership and employee misconduct. Using a sample of 1,525 employees and their supervisors in 300 units in different organizations, we find support for our hypothesized model. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management and Organizations, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 701 Tappan St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A.

    David M. Mayer

  2. Southern Methodist University, University Park, TX, U.S.A.

    Maribeth Kuenzi

  3. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, U.S.A.

    Rebecca L. Greenbaum

Authors
  1. David M. Mayer
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  2. Maribeth Kuenzi
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  3. Rebecca L. Greenbaum
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Correspondence to David M. Mayer.

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Mayer, D.M., Kuenzi, M. & Greenbaum, R.L. Examining the Link Between Ethical Leadership and Employee Misconduct: The Mediating Role of Ethical Climate. J Bus Ethics 95 (Suppl 1), 7–16 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-0794-0

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