Question: summarise this text in simpler words: The given text talks about a research study that examines why people do bad things at work, such as

summarise this text in simpler words: The given text talks about a research study that examines why people do bad things at work, such as lying or stealing. The study is based on a theory that suggests that when companies break their promises to employees, it can lead to employees wanting to get even by doing bad things back to the company. However, when companies keep their promises to employees, they may feel motivated to do good things for the company, even if those actions are unethical.
To test this idea, the researchers conducted two studies. In the first study, they found that when employees feel like the company did not keep its promises, they are more likely to engage in negative work behaviors, such as lying or stealing. However, in the second study, they found that when employees feel like the company did keep its promises, they are more likely to engage in unethical behaviors that benefit the company, even if those actions are not strictly speaking illegal.
Interestingly, the research also uncovered some unexpected findings. For instance, when employees feel that the company did not fully keep its promises, they are more likely to prefer sneaky or underhanded methods of bad behavior rather than more obvious forms of misconduct. Additionally, when employees feel that the company provided too many promises and benefits, they may feel entitled and therefore more likely to engage in bad behavior.
Overall, the research highlights the complex relationship between employee perceptions of promise-keeping and the likelihood of negative or unethical behavior at work. The findings suggest that companies need to be mindful of their employee's perceptions of fairness and the extent to which they feel fulfilled by the company's promises and efforts to keep them. By doing so, companies can create a work environment that discourages negative behavior and encourages ethical conduct.
Final answer: In summary, the research discussed in this text examines why people do bad things at work, such as lying or stealing, using a theory that suggests that broken promises from companies lead to negative behavior in return. Two studies were conducted to test this idea, and the results showed that when employees feel like the company did not keep its promises, they are more likely to engage in negative behavior. However, when employees feel like the company kept its promises, they are more likely to engage in unethical behavior that benefits the company. The research also uncovered some unexpected findings, such as employees preferring sneaky bad behavior when promises are not fully kept and a sense of entitlement leading to bad behavior when promises are kept too well. Overall, the research highlights the importance of companies being mindful of employee perceptions of promise-keeping to create an environment that discourages negative behavior and encourages ethical conduct.

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related General Management Questions!