40 Ethical Culture Gaps To Avoid

By Linda Fisher Thornton

Leaders set the tone for how ethical values are applied. They mentor those they lead, and serve as positive role models. It is not enough, though. for them to talk about ethical values, model what they look like in action and mentor others. They must also fiercely protect the ethical dynamics within their organizations. They are also the caretakers of ethical culture.

Leaders are the tireless caretakers of ethical culture.

There are many types of ethical culture problems. Each one can cause trouble on its own. When several are at play, watch out – the organization is at risk of ethical failure. 

Use this list of 40 Gaps to Avoid to assess your culture. These are warning signs that your ethical culture is at risk. Put a check mark beside any that you have observed in your organization. 

40 Ethical Culture Gaps To Avoid

1. ___Boring Ethics Training
2. ___Compliance Mindset Instead of Values Mindset
3. ___Controlling or Fear-Based Leadership
4. ___Crowd Following, Regardless of the Ethical Implications
5. ___Entitlement Mentality
6. ___Failure to Build and Protect Trust
7. ___Failure to Enforce Ethics Expectations
8. ___Failure to Recognize and Praise Ethical Actions
9. ___Failure to Recognize and Punish Unethical Actions
10. ___Failure of Top Leaders to Take Responsibility For Actions
11. ___Firing Scapegoats Instead of Fixing the Culture and Leadership
12. ___Ignoring Boundaries
13. ___Ignoring Complexity of Work and Complexity of Ethical Issues 
14. ___Ignoring Customer and/or Employee Feedback
15. ___Intentionally Causing Harm
16. ___Lack of Accountability
17. ___Lack of Care and Respect for People
18. ___Lack of Clarity About What Ethics Means in the Organization
19. ___Lack of Commitment to Protect the Planet
20. ___Lack of a Moral Compass
21. ___Lack of Performance System Integration
22. ___Lack of Positive Role Models
23. ___Lack of Relevant Ethics Training
24. ___Lack of Transparency
25. ___Leaders Not Aware of Increasing Ethical Expectations
26. ___Leaders Not Staying Competent as Times Change
27. ___Linear Problem-Solving
28. ___Marketing an Organization as Ethical When It’s Not
29. ___No Code of Ethics
30. ___No Performance Guidelines or Boundaries For Behavior
31. ___No Safe Space to Discuss Ethical Grey Areas
32. ___Oversimplified Conversations About Ethics
33. ___Oversimplified Decision-Making That Leaves Out Ethics
34. ___Oversimplified Definition of “Ethical” (“Do the Right Thing”)
35. ___Power Plays by Top Leaders Instead of Open Communication and Involvement
36. ___Singular Focus on Profitability and Results
37. ___Treating Ethics as an Event, Class, or Task Rather Than an Ongoing Priority
38. ___Unintentionally Harming Constituents
39. ___Vague Messages About Ethics and Values
40. ___Widespread Acceptance That Unethical Behavior and Decisions Are “The Way Things Are Around Here”

Leaders need to be the “cultural caretakers,” always on the lookout for ways to improve the ethical dynamics in their organizations. Preventing these 40 Ethical Culture Gaps is a great start. 

 

 

 

 

 

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