Business ethics, corporate social responsibility and fostering innovation as predictors of employee happiness

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: this paper examines the influence of personal and social ethics, innovative behaviour, business training, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on workplace and personal happiness. By exploring how these interconnected variables shape well-being in professional settings and extend into personal life, the research contributes to the broader understanding of happiness management within organisations. Methodology: a quantitative approach was adopted, utilising covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). The study analysed a sample of 323 employees from the industrial sector in Baja California, Mexico. Data were collected using validated scales to measure personal and social ethics, innovative behaviour, business training, CSR, workplace happiness, and personal happiness. The methodology included exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the relationships between the variables. Results: the findings reveal that personal ethics, business training, and CSR significantly predict workplace happiness, which subsequently enhances personal happiness. In contrast, social ethics and innovative behaviour did not demonstrate a significant impact on workplace happiness, suggesting that cultural or contextual factors may mediate these relationships. Conclusions: the study underscores the importance of fostering ethical practices and investing in professional development to boost employee well-being. Organisations that prioritise ethical growth and professional training can enhance both workplace and overall happiness. Future research should investigate these dynamics across diverse cultural contexts and industries to further elucidate the nuanced relationships identified.