A validity and reliability study of the "ethical climate questionaire" used for quantifying ethical climate

Aim: The objective of our study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ) Scale adapted to the Turkish culture, and to evaluate the variables affecting the formation of the ethical climate types in the university using the scale model developed. Methods: This work was conducted by applying questionnaires electronically and face to face. The quantitative data were collected from the academic and administrative staff that currently work at Eskisehir Osmangazi University. Within the scope of a non-experimental design, the work was done with a survey research (descriptive) methodology. The quantitative data were analyzed using proper statistical techniques. Results: A total of 438 people, 208 academic and 230 administrative staff, participated in this study. 125 of the academic participants (60,7%) were female and 113 of the administrative participants (50,4%) were male. The age of the majority of both groups is ranged between 36-45 and with a work experience of 23 years and above. The reliability analysis of the scale resulted in Cronbach Alpha values of 0,907 for the academic participants, 0,898 for the administrative participants, and 0,901 for the Ethical Climate scale. The scale was found highly reliable. The goodness fit index values of the scale were found respectively RMSEA 0,062; GFI 0,947; AGFI 0,918; CFI 0,901; χ2 ise 1304,100 (p<0,001), showing that the scale model with thirty-three items and four dimensions was at an excellent level. Conslusion: The validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Ethical Climate Scale were demonstrated in this study, thus the model can be employed to assess the ethical climate in the university. The final version of the model includes four sub-dimensions (benevolence, principlism, egoism and personal morality) and thirty-three items. Six climate types, namely friendship, team interest, social responsibility, organisational rules and procedures, laws and professional codes, and self-interest, were identified in the study. Both academic and administrative participants expressed importance of prioritizing the dignity of their colleagues and stakeholders and avoiding behaviours that would harm their careers, sharing managerial responsibility by taking roles in various boards and commissions, and the significance of training related to subjects of human life. When listed according to the order of importance, merit and honesty ranked in the fist lines by both participant groups. Key Words: Ethical climate, academician, administrative staff, scale adaptation.