Can work ethics enhance work motivation and innovative work behavior? An educational setting

The study examined the influence of work ethics on employees’ work motivation and innovative work behavior. To strengthen the theoretical foundation, relevant literature was reviewed. A descriptive and correlational research design was employed, with data gathered through questionnaires administered to employees of the institution. Findings revealed that employees demonstrated high levels of work ethics, work motivation, and innovative work behavior. However, in the educational setting, correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between work ethics and work motivation, thereby rejecting the first hypothesis. In contrast, a statistically significant—though weak— A relationship was found between work ethics and innovative work behavior; thus, the second hypothesis was accepted. These results contribute to the ongoing discourse on the role of work ethics in shaping motivation and innovation in the workplace. The study suggests that the influence of work ethics on work motivation and innovative work behavior is largely shaped by the social and organizational context. Acknowledging its limitations, the study recommends that future research involve a broader population and additional variables to further validate and expand these findings.