Hong Kong's code of ethics initiative : some differences between theory and practice
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Business Ethics
Publication Date
4-15-2004
Volume
51
Issue
1
First Page
75
Last Page
89
Keywords
Code, Conduct, Consultation, Culture, Ethics, Hong Kong, Leadership
Abstract
Although detailed studies of code adoption and impact have already been conducted in Hong Kong, there has as yet been no critical analysis of why there has been a gap between the normative and positive factors underlying codes of ethics in Hong Kong. The purpose of this paper is to consider why Hong Kong companies adopting codes of ethics have failed to adhere closely to the best practice prescriptions for code adoption when it would likely be in their best interests to do so. This paper identifies some cultural factors, such as power distance and traditional Legalist assumptions approximating "Theory X," that appear to be involved in creating this gap, and offers some practical recommendations for closing the gap, which are presented in the form of hypotheses for further testing.
DOI
10.1023/B:BUSI.0000032346.53898.97
Print ISSN
01674544
E-ISSN
15730697
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Snell, R. S., & Herndon, N. C. (2004). Hong Kong's code of ethics initiative: Some differences between theory and practice. Journal of Business Ethics, 51(1), 75-89. doi: 10.1023/B:BUSI.0000032346.53898.97