How Will We Know It When We See It? Conceptualizing the Ethical Organization

Carole L. Jurkiewicz, University of Massachusetts Boston
Robert A. Giacalone, University of Denver

Abstract

How might one conceptualize the ethical organization? The argument presented here is that the truly ethical organization accentuates three main components. First it must be law-abiding in its basic execution of its organizational ethical responsibility. Second, the organization must exercise strong ethical leadership in its day-to-day operations and policies. Finally, at the organizational level, there must be ongoing monitoring processes ensuring compliance of the organization. Specific techniques for consistent, ongoing monitoring and enforcement of ethical compliance by an objective party are described.