Business Integrity in Practice

Chapter 2

Individual Ethical Behavior and the Influences of Organizational Culture

Kemi Ogunyemi

Introduction

Individual ethical or unethical behavior has been found to often reflect the culture, the ethical climate, or both,¹ of the organization in some way.² This is because although individuals may have their own tendencies to put self-interest above the common good, or may have deficiencies of the moral judgment required for ethical decision making, the company’s culture may still inspire, promote, discourage, or totally inhibit personal ethical action.³ As Gellerman observes, even good managers, at times, act without integrity.⁴ The reverse is also true—individuals’ unethical actions contribute to shaping the culture of companies and can ...