What should managers focus on in relation to ethics in the workplace?

Focusing on recruiting and retaining top-quality employees is essential for fostering an ethical workplace culture. When managers prioritize high-quality talent, they not only seek individuals who bring skills and expertise to the organization but also those who align with the company’s ethical values and standards. Quality employees are more likely to engage in ethical behavior, contribute positively to the work environment, and adhere to the organization's code of conduct.

By building a team that values ethical behavior, managers can create a culture of accountability and integrity. This leads to higher employee morale, better teamwork, and improved overall performance, as employees feel supported and empowered to act ethically.

In contrast, minimizing employee feedback, stressing productivity over ethics, and increasing competition among employees can lead to a toxic work environment. These practices can stifle open communication, encourage unethical behavior for the sake of productivity, and create hostility or pressure among staff, all of which detract from an ethical workplace culture. Therefore, focusing on quality recruitment and retention is the most constructive approach to enhancing ethics within an organization.