The effect that coworkers have on the ethical decision-making process depends on a person's exposure to ethical and unethical behavior. Which of the following statements about ethical decision making is true?
A) The more a person is exposed to ethical activity in the organization, the more likely he or she will behave unethically.
B) The more a person is exposed to unethical activity in the organization, the more likely he or she will behave unethically.
C) The more a person is exposed to unethical activity in the organization, the less likely he or she will pay attention to that activity.
D) The more a person is exposed to ethical activity in the organization, the less likely he or she will pay attention to that activity.
E) Exposure to ethical and unethical activity has no effect on a person's decision-making process.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that exposure to unethical behavior in the workplace can have a negative impact on ethical decision-making, as individuals may become desensitized to unethical behavior or perceive it as the norm. Therefore, the more a person is exposed to unethical activity in the organization, the more likely he or she will behave unethically. Choice A is incorrect as exposure to ethical activity is likely to reinforce ethical behavior. Choice C is not supported by research, as exposure to unethical activity would likely increase awareness of unethical behavior. Choice D is also incorrect, as exposure to ethical activity is likely to reinforce ethical behavior. Choice E is incorrect as research has shown that exposure to ethical and unethical activity does have an effect on decision-making.

The Effect That Coworkers Have on the Ethical Decision-Making Process