The effect of social isolation, alienation from work and deviant behaviors on work ethic (TheStaff of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz)

Work ethic functions like a double-edged sword which can lead to both opportunities and threats. While lack of ethics is considered a threat for organizations and the society, enhancing it would bring about novel opportunities. Work ethic can be deemed a social phenomenon and can be scientifically analyzed. Thus, our study aimed at investigating the effect of social isolation, alienation from work and deviant behaviors on work ethic. The study was carried out among the employees of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2016 and was built on survey methodology. Questionnaire tool was utilized for the purpose of information gathering. Using stratified sampling method and by employing Kookran formula, the sample size was determined to be 198. The theoretical framework of the study was designed based on expert opinions of classical sociologists such as Durkheim, Weber and Merton. Merice’s definition of work ethic and his model were used to illustrate conceptual and functional definitions. The study’s findings revealed that the average work ethic of employees was at a desirable level. Furthermore, investigated variables such as age, level of education and work experience were found to be positively associated with work ethic. It was also concluded that deviant behaviors in the workplace, social isolation and alienation from work were significantly related to work ethic. The variance of 0. 27 belonged to work ethic, was explained based on value of these variables. It was ultimately concluded that lack of attention to ethical behavior will not only cause negative consequences in organizations and impose economic burden on them, but inflict psychological repercussions on the work force.