IJMB Journal – Abstracts

International Journal of Management and Business

IJMB Volume X, Issue 1

 

Transforming Workplace Culture: Ethics, Diversity and Innovation

John J. Sarno, M.A. J.D.,* Alison N. Draikiwicz
Employers Association of New Jersey

E-mail: John@eanj.org, Alison@eanj.org

ABSTRACT

Today, collective knowledge building is a key strategic task for most firms, especially knowledge-intensive organizations. Leaders must inspire employees to be engaged at work and to share their knowledge, as knowledge workers must be motivated from within. This is essential to fostering innovation. However, leaders often suppress employees’ autonomy rather than create environments conducive to knowledge-sharing. Various case studies, such as the WorldCom and Well Fargo fraud scandals, demonstrate how profound organizational flaws and uninspiring work ethics among the workforce can lead not only to employee disengagement, but also to fraud and fear of intimidation or retaliation for reporting misconduct, particularly when high-level employees are involved. Similarly, the #MeToo movement has drawn attention to similar patterns of egregious conduct, ethical breakdowns, intimidation and harassment. Trust in leadership and rates of employee engagement remain low throughout the workforce.

Workplace culture has the greatest impact on allowing negative work environments to exist, or, conversely, in preventing harassment. The importance of leadership cannot be overstated. The creation of workplace cultures in which misconduct is not tolerated and employees feel valued must start with and involve a companies’ highest levels of management. To create a climate in which employees contribute their creativity and expertise, supervisors need to develop leadership, communication and conflict resolution skills, and invest in trainings that promote ethical behavior. Trust and commitment must be instilled within teams to avoid feet-dragging and the hoarding of ideas. Decision-making must be fair and ethical. This article outlines methods leaders should take to inspire employees and perform at the highest level of trust, sharing, and cooperation.

Keywords: Workplace Culture, Leadership, Knowledge Management, Holistic Training, Ethics, Employee Engagement, Social Psychology, Value Innovation, Management.

Click for full manuscript (PDF) or back to Volume 10-1, Table of Content.