Final answer:
The behavior of supervisors and the expectations of peers are social and psychological factors that influence ethical behavior, with self-efficacy playing a role in personal conduct. Workplace social norms, procedural justice, and socialization with colleagues also contribute to shaping the ethical landscape in an organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavior of supervisors and the expectations of peers are social and psychological factors that influence ethical behavior. Supervisors play a significant role through their own behavior and management style, setting an example for others and providing implicit rules for what is acceptable within the workplace. The social environment they create can significantly impact employees' decisions to behave ethically or unethically. Similarly, peer expectations can facilitate a culture of ethical behavior or contribute to a work environment where unethical practices become normalized.
Self-efficacy is another psychological aspect that may affect employees' ethical conduct, referring to an individual's belief in their capabilities to execute actions required to manage prospective situations. Social and psychological factors like these are crucial because they shape individual responses to various ethical dilemmas and influence organizational culture and behavioral norms. Studies on procedural justice have shown that fair processes in conflict resolution and transparency in communications are essential for maintaining ethical behavior among employees.
Moreover, the social norms in a workplace, both formal and informal, also guide behavior, promoting social conformity and setting expectations for ethical standards. Employees' perceptions and actions are further influenced by their frequent association with colleagues, which can align their opinions and behaviors with prevailing group norms, as shown in workplace socialization studies.