Which of the following negative consequences is a common result of civil charges filed because of an organization's unethical behavior?

When an organization faces civil charges due to unethical behavior, one of the most immediate and significant consequences is bad publicity. Such charges can generate media attention, leading to negative coverage that can damage the organization’s reputation in the eyes of the public, customers, and other stakeholders. Bad publicity often results in a loss of trust, which can directly impact consumer behavior and brand loyalty. Additionally, the ongoing legal issues can divert attention and resources from the organization's core operations, further compounding the negative impact on brand perception.

In contrast, enhanced brand reputation, increased stakeholder trust, and higher employee morale are unlikely outcomes in the wake of civil charges related to unethical behavior. Instead of improving, these aspects typically suffer as the organization becomes associated with misconduct, leading to skepticism and concerns among stakeholders and employees alike.