A new study from the Ethics Research Center confirms that people who are in a more ethical environment are more likely to report misconduct. This may seem like an obvious conclusion, but at the same time, it adds to the many reasons to strive for a more ethical and honest work environment.
Misconduct opens the door to a bevy of problems for an organization. Having a zero tolerence for employee misconduct is one matter, freedom to report improper or illegal behavior is another.
“This report demonstrates just how toxic the fear of retaliation can be in an organization,” said Ann Wootton, President and General Manager, SAI Global Compliance Americas, which sponsored publication of the report. “Companies that make zero tolerance their goal are doing their employees and themselves a big favor. Retaliation brings a lot of baggage with it that can truly damage an enterprise.”
“ERC’s research shows workplace retaliation for what it is – a destructive attitude-killer,” added Patricia J. Harned, president of the Ethics Resource Center. “The best antidote is a company-wide ethical culture where employees feel that reporting is not only tolerated but welcome. And surveys are the best way to assess what’s on employees’ minds.”
We've all heard horror stories of those individuals who have spoken up about an important issue and have been devastated as a result. A person should not have to fear for their job or liklihood for reporting breaches in ethical or legal standards.
Additionally, the research shows that an environment where employees feel pressured to compromise standards, ethics or law are much less likely to trust the leaders of the organization, have a lower expectation of the company's financial future and are more likely to leave the company.
Good organizations most always have a code of conduct that is not just a bunch of words on a page. It must be a living part of the organzation that employees can count on to be enforced with vigor.
Comments
I spoke up where I worked about safety and also wrote in my yearly evaluation about my concerns. I was fired. Legal Aid helped me get unemployment, then my income was too much for legal aid to continue to help me with a wrongful discrimination suit. I can't afford a private lawyer. I am glad I spoke up, but there are consequences that you have to be prepared to live with. I for one would rather live with knowing I did what I felt was right.
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