Work Ethics as Predictors of Employee Job Performance: Evidence from a Sri Lankan Local Government Institution

Work ethics play a vital role in shaping employee job satisfaction and overall organizational performance, particularly within public sector institutions where ethical standards and individual values may vary considerably. Understanding the relationship between work ethics and job performance is therefore essential for promoting sustainable growth in Sri Lankan government organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship between work ethics and employee job performance in a Sri Lankan local government institution in the Western Province, grounded in Miller's Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP).
Adopting a deductive and quantitative research approach, primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on the MWEP. A sample of 300 employees from various divisions of the organization was targeted using convenience sampling, yielding 278 valid responses (response rate: 92.7%). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to examine relationships between key dimensions of work ethics, hard work, self-reliance, morality, and centrality of work, and job performance.
Multiple regression analysis revealed that work ethics significantly predict employee job performance, with all examined dimensions showing positive associations with performance outcomes (R² = .716). Centrality of work (β = .313) emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by self-reliance (β = .264), hard work (β = .178), and morality (β = .155).
The study provides context-specific insights for human resource practitioners and administrators within the Sri Lankan local government sector, contributing to the development of ethical and productive public institutions.