while they can vary independently because they are dis-similar, as a general rule it seems they are complementary more often than not. So, I would say they are

while they can vary independently because they are dis-similar, as a general rule it seems they are complementary more often than not. So, I would say they are likely co-vary together (even if inversely) at times. At an intutive level, "ethical fabric" is often/practically seen substitute for legal/regulatory infrastructure. The latter is more complex/arduous/expensive, so one advantage of developing ethical norms is increased productivy (from more focus on business, less on due dilligence/monitoring of contracts and general micro-management issues).