Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to investigate perception of ethical and moral conduct in the public sector in Swaziland, specifically, the relationship among: money ethic, attitude towards business ethics, corruption perception, turnover intention, job performance, job satisfaction, and the demographic profile of respondents. Design/methodology/approach – The study was a survey using self-administered questionnaires. Using stratified sampling technique in selected organisations, usable data were collected from 83 public sector employees in Swaziland. Findings – Results indicated significant relationship among money ethic, attitude towards business ethics, turnover intention and job performance. The importance of money as a motivator was also demonstrated. Respondents hold that civil servants’ involvement in corruption is high and that bribery and corruption is widespread in Swaziland. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was small and hence limits generalisation of findings, but provides preliminary information for a larger study. The need to enrich future studies with in-depth follow-up interviews was noted. Practical implications – The respondents’ perception of widespread corruption calls for a reinvigoration of government anti-graft efforts and the need to promote ethical consciousness in the country. Originality/value – This paper has demonstrated the importance of ethical awareness, the importance of money as a motivator and the state of corruption in another cultural setting – Swaziland.