I was teaching a Leadership Development program last week in Wilmington, NC for a group of 12 emerging leaders.  One of the heated topics for discussion was “Business Ethics”.  I think that the amount of game playing that occurs in the workplace creates an acceptance of unethical behavior. 

This is a burning issue and people are conflicted about whether or not to “call people to the carpet” for exhibiting unethical behavior. Why do you think this is the case? Are people concerned about being perceived as complainers?

The participants were placed in groups of 3 and asked to brainstorm lists of ethical and unethical behaviors demonstrated in the workplace.  Below are some of the examples the groups identified:

ETHICAL BEHAVIORS

• confidentiality
• respectful
• responsible – responsibility – follow-through
• consistency
• evolving/evaluating
• culturally appropriate
• moral, legal, best practice
• establish trust for relationships
• integrity
• creates positive growth
• establish boundaries
• being honorable
• fairness

Examples:

• maintaining confidentiality
• respecting boundaries
• respecting relationships
• honesty
• operating within the laws
• cultural competencies

UNETHICAL BEHAVIORS

• doing things without qualifications
• being dishonest
• breaking confidentiality/violations (client/staff)
• inappropriate –personal relationships with clients
• not following procedures
• accepting gifts (expensive)
• not speaking up when you see something wrong
• inappropriate behaviors
• plagiarizing
• copyright infringement
• aggressive/passive actions
• misappropriation of funds 
• not learning from mistakes
• false reporting
• sexual harassment
• lack of supervision
• discrimination (profiling)
• intimidation/harassment
• misrepresentation
• inappropriate use of power
• gossip
• lack of professional behaviors
• inappropriate physical contact (violence)

Has the frequency of unethical behaviors in today’s workplace increased due to the insecurity the current economic climate fosters? Are individuals just naturally inclined to focus on negative behaviors in their colleagues and supervisors regardless of economic conditions?

I am interested in hearing your thoughts. Perhaps the opposite is true in your workplace. If so, I would love to hear ways colleagues and supervisors support each other with less resources and increased workloads.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

-Nanci

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