How conscientiousness and ethical climate affect job performance: Mediating role of integrity

Abstract

Orientation: Understanding the factors that drive job performance is essential for organisations aiming to enhance workplace efficiency and ethical behaviour. This study examines how conscientiousness and ethical climates shape employees’ integrity and performance, offering insights for enhancing organisational ethics and productivity.

Research purpose: To examine the direct effects of conscientiousness and ethical climates on job performance and the serial mediation roles of employees’ sense of integrity and acts of integrity.

Motivation for the study: While previous studies confirm the independent effects of conscientiousness and ethical climates on job performance, the mechanisms underlying these relationships remain unclear. This study seeks to bridge this gap by integrating integrity-related variables.

Research approach/design and method: Employing a correlational research design, the study collected 738 matched pairs of questionnaires from the university personnel and their supervisors. Data analysis was performed with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Main findings: Conscientiousness significantly predicted job performance, while ethical climates did not. Both factors influenced employees’ sense of integrity, which led to acts of integrity, ultimately enhancing job performance. Serial mediation analysis confirmed these relationships.

Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should prioritise conscientiousness in hiring and promotions and cultivate strong ethical climates. Ethical training, leadership modelling, and integrity-based performance evaluations can reinforce ethical behaviours and improve job performance.

Contribution/value-add: By distinguishing between sense of integrity and acts of integrity, this study enhances understanding of how personality traits and organisational ethics interact to influence workplace outcomes, providing a comprehensive framework for fostering ethical and high-performing workplaces.