Final answer:
Staff may make unethical decisions due to pressure to meet unrealistic business objectives, lack of consequences for unethical behavior, rationalization of their actions, normative ethical relativism, and observation of others' unethical actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Staff may make unethical decisions for various reasons. Understanding the factors that contribute to these decisions is crucial in fostering an ethical work environment.
Here are five reasons why staff might choose to act unethically:
- Pressure to Meet Unrealistic Business Objectives: Employees may feel compelled to act unethically to fulfill targets or objectives that seem out of reach by legitimate means.
- Lack of Consequences: If unethical behavior is not disciplined within an organization, or if staff observe others benefiting from such behavior without repercussions, they may be more inclined to act unethically themselves.
- Rationalization: Individuals may justify their unethical actions by believing they serve a higher purpose, as suggested by Sykes & Matza in 1957.
- Normative Ethical Relativism: Employees might believe that ethics are culturally relative, and therefore, actions deemed unethical in one context may be acceptable in another.
- Observation of Others: Seeing peers or superiors engage in unethical behavior can set a precedent that might be followed, particularly if such actions appear to go unpunished.
Fostering an ethical workplace requires addressing these potential motivators for unethical behavior and ensuring there is a clear, enforceable code of ethics in place.