The impact of organizational culture on ethical governance in financial technologies

Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of organizational culture on ethical governance in financial technology (Fintech) from a cross-level theoretical perspective. It examines how organizational culture influences ethical governance at individual, team, and organizational levels, and investigates the role of East-West cultural differences in this process. A cross-level theoretical model is constructed to analyze the interaction mechanisms, supported by mixed research methods including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative study, involving 527 respondents from Fintech firms, reveals significant positive correlations between organizational culture dimensions (cultural promotion, organizational structure, communication, and cultural change) and ethical governance effectiveness. Qualitative analysis, based on interviews with 20 executives and compliance officers, uncovers how cultural values, leadership styles, and communication mechanisms shape ethical decision-making and conflict resolution. The study identifies that a culture emphasizing social responsibility, open communication, and adaptability significantly enhances ethical governance. It also highlights that mature enterprises demonstrate more systematic ethical governance compared to startups, and that East-West cultural differences influence governance strategies. The research contributes theoretically by proposing a “culture-technology-ethics dynamic coupling model” and practically by offering adaptive governance strategies for Fintech firms. Future directions include expanding cross-cultural comparisons and integrating emerging technologies into ethical frameworks.