The perception of employees regarding ethical misdemeanours in small Tshwane businesses

Abstract

With the world wide focus on large corporations and the ethical conduct of specifically the top managers it has become clear that ethics are part and parcel of all businesses. This however does not mean that only large corporations will be screened – it also applies to smaller businesses. The small business sector plays a vital role in the economic development and job creation in the Republic of South Africa. It is important to consider the perception employees have towards their ethical responsibilities in the business sector in order to ensure the successful development of the small business sector of South Africa. The main purpose of the study is therefore to determine the perception employees have towards their ethical responsibilities as well as the types of ethical misconduct employees of small businesses have experienced in the business environment. The research followed a quantitative approach where a survey questionnaire was used as the data collection method. The results indicated that employees of small businesses have a positive view regarding their responsibilities as an employee to acting ethically. Respondents also indicated the most encountered misconduct is observing unethical behaviour and wanting to tell someone regarding unethical misconduct observed. The study also found that employees mostly turn to family members for advice on ethical misdemeanours. The study also found that employees mostly turn to family members for advice on ethical misdemeanours