Female Role in Ethical Decision Making: the Mediating Role of Gender-based Insecurity

Ooi, Chia Ming (2023) Female Role in Ethical Decision Making: the Mediating Role of Gender-based Insecurity. Masters thesis, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The ultimate purpose of a business is to maximise profitability and serve its shareholders. In the process of reaching its organisational goals, ethical considerations may be overlooked and compromised. In today’s business context, men play a dominant role in strategic decision-making in an organisation. Therefore, it is interesting to see how women holding leadership positions in the organisation will bring about changes when it comes to ethical decision-making. This study examines the mediating effect of gender-based insecurity on conservatism, situation context and lack of confidence, and how these affect female role in ethical decision-making. To achieve the objectives of this research, a quantitative approach and cross-sectional method have been employed, using 230 employees who are working in various types of industries in Malaysia. The data collected is analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The research findings indicate that situation context has a significant impact on female role in ethical decision making in various types of industries in Malaysia. Furthermore, this research concluded that gender-based insecurity has a mediating effect on situation context and lack of confidence, which affect female role in ethical decision making. The research provides new insight into female ethical competency framework by providing a broader understanding of how women in the workforce may contribute different perspectives in dealing with ethical issues, and generate economic values in the organisation. The research implications, limitations, and future research recommendations are also highlighted in this study.