Shelly Alcorn, CAE, is a thought-leader, speaker and association management consultant.  Reach her on twitter @shellyalcorn, on LinkedIn or at the Association Subculture blog. She will be a contributing blogger for SmartBlog Insights.

The Ethics Resource Center published the 2009 Ethics in Business Report in November.  Many of its findings are fascinating, and I believe they have ramifications for both trade and professional associations and the industries they represent.

Interestingly enough this recessionary year saw overall reported incidences of ethical misconduct in the workplace decrease by 7% and reports by whistleblowers increase by 5% compared with results obtained in 2007.   At first glance, those numbers may seem a bit counter-intuitive.  Several theories are put forward in the analysis in an attempt to put those results into context.

However, one key finding of particular note has to do with measuring the impact of the current recession on workplace ethics.  In this 2009 report, researchers went beyond the normal scope of the study and included questions specifically designed to quantify such an impact.  Here’s a startling fact: of those companies surveyed who employed even just one of a number of recessionary tactics, (i.e., downsizing, layoffs, benefit reductions, etc.), reports of misconduct and ethical violations increased 26%.

In light of that finding, I strongly urge association executives to download, read and then distribute the report to both staff and volunteer leaders in order to help them better understand their current operating environment.  Then, employ appropriate measures to reinforce ethical behavior in the workplace.  A few sample tactics include modeling correct behavior, adopting and enforcing policy, fostering awareness and positively communicating and reinforcing expectations of ethical behavior within your workplace culture.

The report itself is free and can be obtained here.  Visit the Association Subculture Blog for a more detailed take on this issue from an association manager’s perspective.