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Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2026)
Int. J. Ethics Soc 2026, 8(2): 107-114 |
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Jacobs J, Saber Hakim M. The Effect of Unethical Behavior on Job Insecurity: The Mediating Role of Moral Identity and Personality. Int. J. Ethics Soc 2026; 8 (2) :107-114
URL: http://ijethics.com/article-1-462-en.html
URL: http://ijethics.com/article-1-462-en.html
1- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium , jean.jacobs@vub.be
2- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
2- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
Abstract: (9 Views)
Introduction: Unethical behavior is one of the prevalent phenomena in workplace environments and may arise from employees’ perceptions of job insecurity. Job insecurity is defined as the perceived inability to maintain one’s employment position and job-related capabilities under uncertain or threatening conditions, and it can have significant consequences for employees’ performance and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the effect of unethical behavior on job insecurity by considering the mediating roles of moral identity and personality.
Material and Methods: This applied study employed a descriptive-survey research design. The statistical population consisted of 200 employees of Brussel Based on Morgan’s table, a sample of 132 participants was selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a standardized 40-item questionnaire. The face validity of the instrument was confirmed, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS software.
Results: The findings indicated that unethical behavior had a significant effect on job insecurity, moral identity, and personality. Furthermore, both moral identity and personality exerted significant direct effects on job insecurity and served as mediating variables in the relationship between unethical behavior and job insecurity.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that unethical behavior increases employees’ perceptions of job insecurity by undermining their moral identity and personality characteristics. Therefore, strengthening employees’ moral identity and positive personality attributes may contribute to reducing job insecurity and enhancing their psychological well-being.
Material and Methods: This applied study employed a descriptive-survey research design. The statistical population consisted of 200 employees of Brussel Based on Morgan’s table, a sample of 132 participants was selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a standardized 40-item questionnaire. The face validity of the instrument was confirmed, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS software.
Results: The findings indicated that unethical behavior had a significant effect on job insecurity, moral identity, and personality. Furthermore, both moral identity and personality exerted significant direct effects on job insecurity and served as mediating variables in the relationship between unethical behavior and job insecurity.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that unethical behavior increases employees’ perceptions of job insecurity by undermining their moral identity and personality characteristics. Therefore, strengthening employees’ moral identity and positive personality attributes may contribute to reducing job insecurity and enhancing their psychological well-being.
Type of Study: Short Communication |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/04/13 | Accepted: 2026/05/14 | Published: 2026/07/18
Received: 2026/04/13 | Accepted: 2026/05/14 | Published: 2026/07/18
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© 2026 CC BY 4.0 | International Journal of Ethics and Society
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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