Ethics: Hot, Hot, Hot

The popularity of ethics training and ethics consulting is not surprising. The quick fix, as ever, is not likely to have lasting results.

Training won't work if the leadership sends opposite signals on a regular basis.

Training won't work if the organization's policies and practices inadvertently encourage unethical behavior; e.g., performance evaluation programs that require a "meets standards" evaluation before merit pay can be awarded are indirectly encouraging lying. Supervisors will inflate evaluations in order to make sure that people get some money.

Training won't work if the standards are enforced inconsistently. Wink at a few violations and trust will be shattered.