Unethical workplace behaviour: Rotten apples, bad barrels and sticky situations
Exploring what drives unethical workplace behaviour, providing recommendations to build more ethical workplaces
Exploring what drives unethical workplace behaviour, providing recommendations to build more ethical workplaces
Workplace ethics has been an increasing focus for businesses, policy makers and regulatory bodies in recent years. In the wake of corporate scandal, talk often turns to how organisations can change their culture and manage unethical behaviour. But, to make a much-needed change, we need to understand why unethical behaviour occurs in the first place. With this knowledge, business leaders and people professionals can take meaningful action to tackle it.
This report provides evidence-based, practical lessons that people professionals and leaders can use to minimise the likelihood of unethical behaviour in their workplace.
The research is based on a Rapid Evidence Assessment (conducted by the CIPD, CEBMa and the Australian National University) to identify the factors that influence ethical behaviour at work. We asked three key questions:
It’s clear that the causes of unethical behaviour are complex. But, there are key ways in which behaviour can be shifted, with good management practices, leadership and accountability all playing a part.
Download the research report below to understand the individual, situational and organisational factors that lead to unethical behaviour and top lessons for practice.
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