The state of ethics in our society: A clear call for action

The Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership undertook an extensive review of a number of currently available research surveys on ethics in business, education and among the public. The results emerged from a wide variety of groups including employees in the private, government, and health-care sectors, graduate and undergraduate students, high school students and a group referred to as the educated, media-aware public living in over 22 countries. Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership studied the findings from these surveys and came to the easy conclusion that there is a dearth of ethical behavior and ethical leadership. It seems unlikely the situation will improve in the short term.The level of observed misconduct remains high.The situation worsens as companies take measures to combat the economic crisis.Reporting of misconduct may be hampered by fear of retaliation.Trust in leaders is low, trust in CEOs is lower.The ethics of the developing workforce does not show signs of improvement.It's a global problem. Some hopeful signs are revealed in these data as well.Ethics programs make a difference.Those around you matter.