Structural Equation Modeling of Professional Ethics Based on Social Responsibility, Organizational Transparency, and Organizational Commitment with the Mediating Role of Social Cynicism

Abstract

The aim of this study was to model structural equations of professional ethics based on social responsibility, organizational transparency, and organizational commitment, with the mediating role of social cynicism. This research was fundamental, non-experimental, descriptive-survey, and correlational in terms of examining relationships through structural equations. The statistical population included high school teachers in Urmia during the 2021–2022 academic year (N = 2,670). Using a multistage cluster random sampling method, the sample size was determined to be 400 participants based on Cochran's formula. The research data were collected through the following questionnaires: Professional Ethics (Qanbarpour et al., 2019), Social Responsibility (Carroll, 1991), Organizational Transparency (Rawlins, 2008), Organizational Commitment (Allen & Meyer, 1990), and Social Cynicism (Afshani & Kobraei, 2020). The data were analyzed using SPSS V. 28 and Lisrel V. 10 software. Results indicated that social responsibility, organizational transparency, and organizational commitment have a direct, negative, and significant effect on social cynicism. Additionally, social responsibility, organizational transparency, and organizational commitment have a direct, positive, and significant effect on professional ethics. Social cynicism has a direct, negative, and significant effect on professional ethics. Moreover, social responsibility, organizational transparency, and organizational commitment have an indirect, positive, and significant effect on professional ethics through the mediating role of social cynicism. Authorities should address the legitimate demands of teachers by fostering a transparent environment, which could enhance teachers' commitment and responsibility in teaching. This, in turn, could contribute to their professional success while also advancing societal scientific success.