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The Relation Between Ethical Behaviour and Workstress Amongst a Group of Managers Working in Affirmative Action Positions

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Abstract

Unethical acts and reported cases of corruption and commercial crimes in South African business are increasing. Literature studies showed that risk groups (for instance South African managers in affirmative action positions) are functioning in a stressful environment which can give rise to unethical acts. Results pointed out that high stress correlates substantially with: to claim credit for a subordinate's work; to fail to report a co-worker's violation of company policy, to offer potential clients fully paid holidays; and to purchase shares upon hearing privileged company information. In the light of this a number of recommendations were made.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departement of Industrial Psychology, University of Free Free State, P.O. Box 339 (23), Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    Ebben van Zyl

  2. Departement of Business Management, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    Kobus Lazenby

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  1. Ebben van Zyl
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  2. Kobus Lazenby
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van Zyl, E., Lazenby, K. The Relation Between Ethical Behaviour and Workstress Amongst a Group of Managers Working in Affirmative Action Positions. Journal of Business Ethics 40, 111–119 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020352417957

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020352417957

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