Ethical leadership and ethical climate in the container shipping industry

Abstract

This study examined ethical leadership and ethical climate in the container shipping context. Using data collected from 147 container shipping firms in Taiwan, exploratory factor analysis identified four dimensions underlying ethical climate attributes: rules, independent thinking, law and ethical code, and caring. Subsequent analysis indicated that respondent perceived the law and ethical code dimension to be performed higher than the rules, caring, and independent thinking dimensions in their employing organisations. A structural equation model was employed to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and ethical climate, and indicated that ethical leadership has a positive influence on ethical climate. Areas suggested for future research are presented in the final section of the paper.