Ethical Work Climate: A Weather Report and Forecast

Over the past two decades the concept of ethical work climate has emerged as an important component of organizational work settings. However, although a variety of conceptualizations, antecedents, and consequences of ethical work climate have been explored in the literature, no comprehensive survey and evaluation of this literature exists. This chapter fills that gap by critically reviewing what we know about this important construct, and what remains to be explored. The chapter begins by reviewing various concepts related to the ethical context of organizations. Next, it presents a comprehensive review and assessment of what we know about the causes, consequences, and moderators of ethical work climate. Finally, we offer recommendations for both researchers and practitioners, regarding what remains to be examined and how we might put what we know to work in organizational settings.