Case Assignment - Building an Ethical Culture That Lasts

Some mixed news on ethics in the U.S. workplace:

60% of misdeeds reported by workers involved someone with managerial authority

24% of those misdeeds involved senior management

In organizations with weak ethical cultures, 88% of workers witnessed misconduct

In organizations with strong ethical cultures, only 20% report witnessing misconduct

The most ethical companies had 20% greater profits and 6% better shareholder returns than other companies

Ethics is a part of an organizations culture. And its becoming ever more critical for businesses to act ethically. So what are the critical aspects of an ethical culture? In part, its whether managers at all levels talk about ethics and model appropriate behavior. Is ethical behavior reinforced? In ethical cultures, organizational colleagues support one another in making ethical decisions and in doing ethical work. It can be an infectious type of atmosphere in which good people do good and the organization where they work prospers by achieving those greater profits and better shareholder returns. A win-win in anyones book!

The following discussion questions are posed:

1: Why do you think organizations with weak ethical cultures have four times as many workers witnessing misconduct?

2: Society expects it (ethical practices). Customers demand it. Discuss why you agree or disagree with this?