Abstract
Part of Symposium: Empirical and Theoretical Insights on the Social Dynamics of (Un)Ethical Behavior at Work
This symposium examines the social dynamics of (un)ethical behavior in organizations, moving beyond the "bad apple" narrative to explore how interpersonal and group interactions shape and are shaped by ethical and unethical practices. Presenting three empirical papers and an integrative review, we explore diverse contexts, roles (employees, managers, team members), and levels of analyses. The presentations delve into the ripple effects of unethical acts on organizational climates, the role of gratitude in managerial responses to unethical subordinates, ambivalent employee reactions to supervisors' moral displays, and the communicative dynamics of ethical decision-making in teams. Together, these insights advance our understanding of the collective and relational processes that influence (un)ethical conduct and inform strategies for fostering ethical organizational cultures. The session will conclude with a discussion synthesizing theoretical and practical implications for research and management.