Speaker Series Hosts Professor Steve Salbu

The Cecil B. Day Program in Business Ethics presented the first lunch program speaker for Fall 2018 on Tuesday titled “Strategies to Build Ethical Climates and Behaviors in Organizations.” The discussion, led by former dean and Stephen P. Zelnak chairholder, Steve Salbu, emphasized the importance of creating a positive and safe environment in the workplace.

“We have a duty as leaders to set the tone of the culture at the top and ensure everyone follow suit,” Salbu stated. “Talk is cheap. Every organization spouts the same correct rhetoric in their mantra, but we end up taking our cues and signs from the behavior we see those acting on above us, not the rhetoric.” There are means to correct this mindset, however, and Salbu lists them here:

Lead by example. Leadership by fear is bad behavior whereas leadership by inspiration results in better behavior in every facet imaginable. “When we obey orders out of fear, there is a belief that superiors see the big picture and if everyone is doing it, the behavior must be acceptable. This leads to the notion that employees are willing to do whatever they are paid to do, as long as it is ethical.”

Always be aware of what is going on. “One of the greatest challenges to overcome as you rise in an organization is knowing what is happening on every level. It is easy to become lost when everyone is consumed with work – but you must work hard at inspiring trust, building relationships with your employees, and creating channels for correct information to maintain pertinency with your organization.”

Taking consistent, intentional steps toward building a good workplace culture is imperative to the success of an organization. This applies to no one team or department, but companies as a whole.

The Cecil B. Day Program in Business Ethics supports initiatives and activities that instill in all a desire to act with honor, character, and integrity, as well as the skills to make good ethical decisions. For upcoming event information visit the Cecil B. Day Program in Business Ethics Speaker Series.