VIOLATIONS OF ETHICAL EXPECTATIONS: THE TOXICITY OF ORGANIZATIONAL PAIN AND SOME REMEDIES
DIANE L. SWANSON
ROBERT J. PAUL
DOI: 10.2190/K39N-AJ73-JN85-VRJL
Abstract
In this article we address organizational pain as the buildup of sadness, frustration, bitterness, and anger among employees who perceive that they have been treated unfairly in the workplace. We submit that such emotionally charged reactions can lead to legal and ethical toxicity or organizational pain that stems from employers' breaches of legal and ethical standards, respectively. Although both forms of toxicity are detrimental to organizational life, we submit that employers' failure to meet workers' expectations of ethical treatment is especially problematic. We elaborate on this thesis by describing some causes, consequences, and costs of ethical toxicity and recommending some methods of prevention and remedy. We conclude by commenting on a role for public policy.
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