Unethical Behavior In The

Unethical Behavior In The

Organizations that run their business ethically enhance the attraction of consumers and more investors (Ojasoo, 2016). Company leaders, employees, and consumers should emulate stronger ethical practices. Office ethics are vital because they protect the asset and enhance increased teamwork and productivity (Kaptein, 2011). Furthermore, ethical practices are paramount to the success and reputation of the organization. Many unethical practices in offices and organizations exist, including misuse of company resources and going against company policies (Kaptein, 2011). Presently, unethical behaviors are a common phenomenon in the business world. Scholars have shifted blame to individual character traits and personal transgressions like the bad apple approach (Kaptein, 2011). Research indicates that unethical behavior relates to an organizational ethical culture where morally right behaviors are rewarded, and unethical behaviors are modeled by top management.

This essay will discuss an ethical issue occurring in organizational settings, specifically focusing on the misuse of company resources. Unethical practices in this context include unauthorized use of equipment and computers, embezzling funds, and using internet and phone during working hours for personal purposes. Time theft, for example, costs organizations hundreds of billions annually in lost productivity (Chu, 2014). I will share my personal experience to illustrate this issue.

During my last semester as a university student, I completed an internship at an established company. I observed many unethical behaviors, particularly regarding the misuse of resources. The employees misused the company's assets for personal interests. For example, the company’s printing machine was designated for business use, but employees used it to print personal documents. This behavior conflicted with my cultural understanding of workplace ethics, which emphasizes respecting organizational assets. Many consider such misconduct a minor issue, or they assume it costs less to indulge in, but ethically, using company property for personal use remains inappropriate. Numerous workers engage in similar unethical behaviors daily, often under the misconception that these acts are harmless or cost-free.

Nonetheless, it is the organization’s responsibility to foster ethical behavior through proper training and a strong ethical culture. Implementing comprehensive ethics training programs can effectively guide employees towards responsible behavior. Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in setting behavioral standards, reinforcing the importance of integrity and respect for organizational resources. When employees understand that misuse of resources is unethical, they are more likely to abide by policies and uphold organizational values.

In conclusion, fostering a culture of ethics within organizations is vital for the sustainability and success of the business. Leaders must prioritize ethical practices, not only to comply with legal standards but also to maintain reputation and stakeholder trust. Unethical behaviors such as misuse of resources undermine productivity and can lead to organizational downfall. Hence, organizations should evaluate their cultural environment and implement targeted training initiatives to promote ethical conduct. Strengthening organizational ethics involves continuous effort, including clear policies, role modeling by management, and accountability mechanisms, all of which contribute to a more ethical and productive workplace.

References

• Chu, A. M., Chau, P. Y., & So, M. K. (2014). Explaining the misuse of information systems resources in the workplace: A dual-process approach. Journal of Business Ethics, 131(1), 139-151.
• Kaptein, M. (2011). Understanding unethical behavior by unraveling ethical culture. Human Relations, 64(6), 843-869.
• Ojasoo, M. (2016). CSR reporting, stakeholder engagement, and preventing hypocrisy through ethics audit. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 6(1), 1-16.