LRN Ethics Study: Ethics impact on workplace productivity

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New research from LRN finds that ethical lapses and questionable behavior in the workplace are common occurrences for working Americans and these lapses distract them from their work. Potential scandal or business disruption also exists in many companies today, according to employees.

Nearly three in four of the surveyed Americans working full time said they encountered ethical lapses in the workplace; more than one in three have been distracted by them; and one in 10 believed a current issue at their company could cause a scandal or business disruption.

These results are among the key findings of the LRN Ethics Study on workplace productivity, the latest in a series of omnibus research studies from LRN. This study shows a connection between lawful, ethical conduct and productivity in the workplace. In sum, the results suggest companies need to strengthen their focus on developing corporate cultures that value responsible conduct and clearly define appropriate behaviors for their workers.

In particular, the study indicates American companies are experiencing significant levels of ethical lapses that lead to worker distraction. A number of respondents even believe serious incidents are already occurring in their company that could cause a scandal or business disruption if revealed. At the same time, the study shows workers are not comfortable reporting ethical lapses to their companies. These findings call into question how well companies are facing the challenge of educating their workforces on ethical business conduct and principled performance. Organizations should view these results as a warning that more work is required to inspire employees to higher standards of behavior and to develop trust and confidence that reported incidents of unethical behavior will be acted upon appropriately and confidentially.

Download PDF to access the full report.