Always do the right thing and you will be rewarded in the end. How many times have we heard this phrase when we were children? Why is it so difficult to adhere to a personal and professional code of ethics as we join the world of business? There are many political and financial influences that keep us from viewing a clear ethical picture. We want to become this month’s top sales person or we want to look good in front of our direct report managers. It doesn’t matter what the reason, the payoff is short-lived if you don’t have the respect of your peers and customers.
Ethical issues are a major concern in business and our personal lives. “Moral implications spring from virtually every decision, both on and off the job. Managers are challenged to have more imagination and the courage to do the right thing.” (Kinicki & Kreitner, p. 27).
Kinicki & Kreitner’s (2008) list of individual influences that impact ethical behavior are Personality, Values, Moral Principles, History of Reinforcement and Gender. “Personal experience with being rewarded or reinforced for certain behaviors and punished for others also shapes the individual’s tendency to act ethically or unethically.” (p. 28).
Organizations can influence ethical behavior in employees by having an executive staff that is a good role model. When top management follow good ethical decision making practices then their staff seek to emulate that same style of management. They see the reward in having a staff and co-workers that respect them. They have loyal teams and good employee morale.
Another way to improve an organization’s ethical environ ...