More does not Always Mean Better : Do more Comprehensive Ethics Management Programmes Result in better Outcomes?

Much research has gone into establishing the nature of ethics initiatives adopted by organisations in an attempt to enhance ethical behaviour. Less attention, however, has been given to the actual efficacy and impact of such initiatives. We address this gap directly, utilising cluster analysis to investigate the combined effects of various ethics initiatives on levels of observed unethical behaviour and the propensity to report such behaviour. Significant differences were found to exist between clusters with respect to level and type of observed unethical conduct, and whether or not this behaviour was reported. Contrary to expectations, the findings reveal that the strength of an organisation's ethics management programme does not ensure lower rates of observed unethical behaviour. It is argued that the quality, rather than the quantity, of ethics initiatives determines the overall impact of ethics management programmes. Particular emphasis is placed on highlighting the role of ethics training, over and above other initiatives such as ethical codes, ethics support and rewarding ethical behaviour.