Looking at What’s Behind Unethical Behavior
The problem of unethical behavior from leadership exists in some organizations, and needs to be addressed in the hiring process.
“People in any profession and in any role face opportunities to act unethically. However, as one climbs the ladder, there are fewer people disagreeing with you and offering checks on your behavior,” Cabral says. “In general, people want to please authority figures, even if that means ignoring their own ethical standards and their supervisor’s bad behavior.”
“Ultimately, organizations that want to promote ethical behavior at all levels of the organization, including leadership, ought to address ethics systematically rather than trying to change an individual’s behavior,” Cabral states.
Sarah Cabral, senior scholar, business ethics, quoted by Communication Intelligence.