Counterproductive work behaviors and their ethical dilemmas: Creating just, respectful, and productive organizations

The goal of the current chapter is to examine the relationship between counterproductive workplace behaviors (CWBs) and ethical dilemmas and to suggest interventions and resolutions to these critical issues. We will begin with a brief definition of CWBs, the prevalence of these behaviors, and the various costs associated with it. Then, we will discuss how several of the five general ethical principles published by the American Psychological Association (APA, American Psychological Association ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct, 2002. Retrieved February 9, 2009), namely, beneficence and non-maleficence, justice, and respect for people’s rights and dignity, apply to the wide spectrum of CWBs that can occur in the workplace and the ethical dilemmas that they create. Each of these specific dilemmas will be linked to real-world solutions backed by the current literature. Finally, we will discuss measurement issues associated with CWBs as well as how recent advances and shifts in technology affect the workplace and the possible CWBs in which employees engage.