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

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