Workplaces are ethical cesspools

Ethics in the workplace is a tricky issue. I think we all know, logically, that if you’re higher up a chain or hierarchy, you’re not beholden to the same rules, regulations, and even processes as the rest of us target-chasers down the line. You’re closer to more money, more perks, more rewards, and more of generally the good stuff. (Yes, there’s also more responsibility and falling from a higher perch hurts more no matter the context.) No matter how you view the intersection of ‘formal power’ and ‘authority’ and ‘the rules and processes’ of a place, it’s hard to argue that the top dogs don’t get a few examples of leeway now and again. Interestingly, in a way, this whole thing is why e-mail is such a goddamn boondoggle all the time.

Alright, so. Are we about to talk about absolute power corrupting absolutely in the context of ethics in the workplace? Not exactly. But we may get close.

Ethics in the workplace and moral norms

Most of society at an individual-to-individual level is built around moral norms, specifically reciprocity. Here’s the easiest way to think about that: if you walk past someone on the street and nod/smile, you expect some type of acknowledgment of that in return. We’re social beings and that’s how we roll.