IBE tackles ethics challenge of intergenerational workforce

Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials have all developed their own ethical standards and understanding of what is right and wrong in the workplace, according to a new briefing from the Institute of Business Ethics.

For example, only approximately one in ten (12%) of Traditionalists agree that they would turn a blind eye on witnessed misconduct to help save jobs, compared to over a third (35%) of Millennials.

The free-to-download briefing outlines some of the differences in assumptions, personalities and management characteristics across the generational divide. These idiosyncrasies should encourage organisations to tailor their approach to business ethics, says the IBE, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all policy.

The IBE suggests the use of ethics ambassadors as an example to achieve cross generational buy-in. Indeed, it can be argued that Millennials can make good ethics ambassadors as they are natural networkers and familiar with new technologies, but at the same time older employees may have a more established reputation for integrity.