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Workers behave better during recessions. Surprised?

November 19, 2009 on 6:57 am | In All categories, etiquette/habits, workplace issues | No Comments

Yes, U.S. employees have been behaving better during the Great Recession, according to the annual National Business Ethics Survey.

The survey found that measures of ethical behavior — the amount of misconduct observed, the willingness to report misdeeds, the strength of ethical cultures and the pressure to cut corners — all improved since 2007, when the survey was last taken.

The Ethics Resource Center, which conducted the research, noted a similar pattern from 2000 to 2003, when the dot-com bubble and 9/11 affected most workplaces.

While this is good news, I’ll bet most of us would rather have no recession and more workers behaving badly.

For a great example of unethical behavior at work, enjoy this clip:

For tips on how good behavior can help you get ahead at work, try these:

• The Most Valuable Employees Tame Tensions
• 5 Ways to Wow Your Boss
• How Nice Guys Can Get Ahead