The conceptual model of our research is presented in Fig. 1. As
depicted in the model, we propose that institutionalization of ethics
(implicit and explicit forms) will have direct impacts on both QWL
(measured in terms of employees' needs) and employee job-related
outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and team
spirit). Moreover, we propose that QWL has a direct impact on
employees' job-related outcomes. Based on our literature review,
which will be discussed in the next section, there have been many
studies on the relationships between QWL and organizational
productivity or performance. Unfortunately, there have been very
few studies on the relationships between ethics institutionalization
and QWL, and between ethics institutionalization and job-related
outcomes. Also based on our literature review, there have not been
any studies on these relationships in Asia or in a developing country.
Given the increasing importance of both ethics and QWL in
organizations in recent years and given that there have not been
any studies linking ethics institutionalization, QWL, and job-related
outcomes in Thai business organizations; we believe our study is a
valuable contribution to both business ethics literature and general
management literature.