Ethical Issues and Problems in Organizations: Nigeria as a Case Study

Abstract

This research study explored the occurrence of unethical practices among leaders of organizations in Nigeria despite their knowledge and skills in ethics and morality. The research’s background is the prevalence of unethical leadership practices that results in massive personal, organizational, and societal losses that affect the future of Nigeria negatively. Kohlberg’s moral development theory is the study’s conceptual framework explaining the acquisition of ethical values and the teleological utilitarian theory is the theoretical framework for interpreting the ethical behavior and concerns among leaders in Nigerian organizations. The study reviewed existing interviews and surveys of organizational leaders and, where relevant, incorporated the input of employees that directly addressed leadership behavior and decision-making. The research was consequential not only for offering an in-depth understanding of the ethical crisis in Nigeria’s leadership from an organizational perspective but offered possible solutions to curb the menace. The results revealed a broader understanding of ethics and unethical leadership behaviors among Nigerian leaders. Organizational factors that contributed to unethical leadership behaviors included the lack of a governance structure, environmental and cultural influences, poor accountability, lack of or inadequate consequences for offenders, and organizational breaches of psychological contracts. Recommended solutions include exploring the gaps in person-organization dynamics and revisiting the punitive measures for individuals involved in unethical leadership.