Workplace spirituality and nepotism-favouritism in selected ASEAN countries: the role of gender as moderator

Purpose: Many scholars of business ethics have emphasised for new research theories and methods that make a substantial contribution to improving business ethical practices and standards globally. This study aims to explore the impact of workplace spirituality and its four dimensions-meaningful at work, transcendence, mindfulness and compassion over the nepotism-favouritism in ASEAN Region. This study also contributes to literature by investigating role of gender over the association of workplace spirituality, and its dimensions with nepotism-favouritism. Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires from employees of the service sector working in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. SPSS and SmartPLS software were used for data analysis. Findings: The findings of this study suggest that there is significant negative impact of workplace spirituality on the nepotism-favouritism. Four dimensions-meaningful at work, transcendence, mindfulness and compassion has significantly negative influence on nepotism/favouritism. With change of gender, impact of workplace spirituality and its three dimensions-meaningful at work, compassion and transcendence exhibit varying influence on the nepotism-favouritism, which indicates presence of moderating effect. This study concludes with no moderating impact of gender over the association of mindfulness and nepotism-favouritism. Originality/value: This study presents empirical evidence from ASEAN region, which is useful for practitioners to abolish corruption in the context of nepotism-favouritism.