Unethical Behavior at Work: Issues and Observations.

• Author: Abbasi, Sami M.

INTRODUCTION

Ethics are defined as beliefs that guide actions and judgements across a variety of situations that have moral consequences (Roth & Clifton, 2004; Robinson, 2004; Tulloch & Bauman, 1981). A person's ethics develop from the cultural settings embodying parents, friends, employers, co-workers, and other external reference groups. In general, being an ethically responsible individual requires concern for the well-being of others (Roth & Clifton, 2004; Robinson, 2004; Tulloch & Bauman, 1981). This will command an ethical attitude on the part of individuals, and an ethical code of conduct prescribed by the organization. For example, an individual's attitude will affect his perceptions, needs, and motivations at work. From a manager's perspective, however, it is important that employees maintain positive attitude about their work associates and the organization. Specifically, an employee's toxic attitude may lead him to commit unethical behavior, spend his time griping about his job, his co-workers, and other organizational issues (Jain, 2018; Pomeroy, 2006). For example, this may include deliberate deception by taking credit done by someone else, sabotaging the work of another person, coercion to engage in illegal activities, and ethical lapses (Strauss & Petrecca, 2012). This will spell defeat in the efforts of establishing positive organizational culture, teamwork, and achieving organizational goals. Research indicates that attitudes matter in the workplace. That is, the negative attitude of some employees may impact the organization's bottom line through wasting time, illness, turnover, and absenteeism. Also, negative attitude erodes trust, reduces loyalty, reduces cooperation, damages relationships, and may lead to incivility in the workplace (Porath & Pearson, 2013; Porath, 2017). This may be caused by employees who have some of the cultural traits that are causing them to be disruptive. Against this background, some organizations decided to establish a professional administrative position for the purpose of observing unethical behavior (Knowledge@Wharton, 2019). Also, to advise disruptive employees of their infractions which is not compatible with their organizational values.

Leaders hold the primary responsibility for ensuring the ethical conduct of all employees within an organization, especially those considered as high-risk for unethical behavior (Ames, 2018). For example, research has shown that some personality traits may lead some people to be high risk for unethical decision-making and behavior. From a leader's perspective, however, understanding those traits will help in their consideration of people for potential hiring and consideration for management positions. High-risk individuals possess certain traits that leaders should prepare for. These traits relate to person's cognitive moral development, individual's moral responsibilities...