The influence of ethical values on innovation, the challenges of trust and commitment within the organization

Abstract

Every organization aspires to distinguish itself through excellence, an ambition that relies on the strategic mobilization of resources, the effective resolution of challenges, and the achievement of clear objectives. Among these objectives are the development of ethical values, commitment, trust, and innovation.

Innovation and commitment maintain a symbiotic relationship: although distinct, these two dimensions mutually reinforce one another and are rooted in human capital. Their constructive interaction constitutes the foundation of a fulfilling and high-performing professional environment.

The central research question of this article is: How can organizational innovation within teams be stimulated through the development of commitment, relying on ethics and trust as key levers? The objective is to explore the mediating role of ethics in the dynamics between commitment, trust, and organizational innovation.

Methodologically, this work is based on a narrative literature review, drawing on conceptual, critical, and empirical studies. This approach highlights theoretical convergences—particularly the recognition of human capital as a driver of innovation—as well as divergences concerning the precise role of ethics in the process of organizational innovation.

The main theoretical conclusions show that managerial ethics is a structuring factor that strengthens interpersonal and organizational trust. This trust acts as a catalyst for work commitment, which in turn fosters the emergence of innovative behaviors. Thus, the ethics–trust–commitment nexus appears as a central lever for stimulating organizational innovation and enhancing collective performance.

However, this study also reveals certain theoretical limitations: while the links between commitment and innovation are widely documented, the precise mediating role of ethics remains insufficiently explored. This theoretical gap opens avenues for future research aimed at clarifying mediation mechanisms and deepening the understanding of the role of leaders’ ethical competence in fostering innovative behaviors.

Keywords : Organizational innovation ; Knowledge management ; Human capital ; Trust ; Engagement

Classification JEL : O15

Paper type : Theorical Research