Discussion: Ethical Behavior

Deloitte and Touche (2007) did a survey on workplace ethics. It is believed that the behavior of managers has the most influence on ethics in the work place. The unethical behavior of managers usually includes misuse of company property, giving preferential treatment, verbal abuse, and harassment either sexual or racial. Employees consider it okay to ask fellow workers for favors, use company material for personal use, and take sick days when they need time off. The other two top reasons for unethical behavior are lack of personal integrity and lack of job satisfaction. In 2009, the annual Deloitte's Ethics & Workplace Survey, focused on the use of the social media. The majority of business executives believed they have a right to know how employees portray themselves and their organizations in online social networks (Deloitte, 2009). The workers, especially the 18-34 year olds, disagree stating that it is not their employers business to meddle in their online activity.

Post below the answers to the following questions:

•Are individuals responsible for their own ethical or unethical behavior?

•Why do other people, especially your bosses, influence your ethical behavior?

•How may attribution and reinforcement be used to strengthen people's confidence in their ethical beliefs and overcome unethical practices by bad management?

Read the posts of your classmates and reply to at least two of them. This is a gradable activity. Review the Discussion Rubric, which will be used to evaluate each discussion board posting for this course.

References

Deloitte LLP (June 2007). Leadership counts: 2007 Deloitte &Touche USA ethics & workplace survey results. Kiplinger Business Resources Center.

Deloitte LLP (2009). Deloitte's 2009 ethics & workplace survey examines the reputational risk implications of social networks.