Gender Differences and the Influence of a Code of Conduct on Individual Ethical Decision Making at Work: A Comparison of German/Austrian and Chinese Employees

Abstract

This paper examines gender differences and the influence of a Code of Conduct on an employees` individual ethical decision making at work in Germany, Austria and China. Our findings imply that female employees and female-dominated teams may have a positive effect on good corporate compliance in China. Regarding the influences of a Code of Conduct on individual compliant behaviour such a general statement can`t be made. Compliance codices aren`t a panacea. Compliance codices need to be handled carefully, culturally adapted and embedded in a full framework ethical education programme