“A Study of Awareness Regarding Management Ethics Among Small-Scale Entrepreneurs”

Abstract

Khandwa is a significant district located in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, holding special importance from historical, cultural, geographical, and economic perspectives. It is a key district of the Nimar region, and its economy relies primarily on agriculture, agro-based industries, trade, and the service sector. The majority of the local population depends on agriculture, commerce, and small-scale industries. Khandwa district was selected for this study because it is witnessing a continuous expansion of micro and small enterprises; studying the behavior of entrepreneurs regarding managerial ethics can prove useful in understanding the region's industrial development.

The objective of this research paper is to evaluate the level of awareness regarding managerial ethics among small-scale entrepreneurs in Khandwa district. For the study, a sample of 200 small-scale entrepreneurs was selected, and primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive research design was employed, and the data were analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing (One-Sample t-Test). The results revealed that the majority of entrepreneurs hold a positive attitude toward principles of managerial ethics such as honesty, transparency, financial discipline, accountability towards customers and employees, and social responsibility. Hypothesis testing demonstrated that the level of awareness regarding managerial ethics among small-scale entrepreneurs in Khandwa district is statistically significantly high. The study also concluded that ethical management serves as a crucial foundation for the long-term success, organizational credibility, and sustainable growth of businesses. Therefore, to ensure the robust development of small-scale enterprises, there is a need to further strengthen management systems based on ethical values, training programs, and institutional support.