Title: The moderating effect of personal values on the relationship between ethical leadership and whistleblowing intentions

Authors: Albert Puni; Ibrahim Mohammed; John Bosco Damnyang

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra, P.O. Box LG149, Ghana ' Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, P.O. Box LG149, Ghana ' Department of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies, Accra, P.O. Box LG149, Ghana

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ethical leadership and whistleblowing intentions by examining employees' personal values as a potential moderating variable on this relationship. Using explanatory and cross-sectional survey design, the study found a significant positive association between ethical leadership and whistleblowing intention. This positive association was found to be stronger when subordinates have a higher rather than lower level of personal values, confirming the usefulness of personal values as a new moderating variable which explains the mechanism or process by which ethical leadership can have a strong or weak influence on whistleblowing intention, especially in a power-distant cultural environment.

Keywords: unethical behaviour; speaking-up; moderated relationship; insurance industry; Ghana.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBGE.2021.113941

International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 2021 Vol.15 No.2, pp.169 - 189

Received: 25 Jul 2019
Accepted: 21 Jan 2020
Published online: 02 Apr 2021 *

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