There are several causes of unethical conduct in workplaces, and these can vary depending on the organization, industry, and individual factors. Here are some of the common causes:

1. Lack of Ethical Leadership: Ethical conduct starts at the top. When leaders fail to set a strong ethical tone, employees may perceive that unethical behavior is tolerated or even encouraged. This can lead to a culture where unethical conduct becomes the norm. For example, the Enron scandal in 2001 was largely attributed to the lack of ethical leadership and the promotion of a culture that valued profits over integrity.

2. Pressure to Meet Targets or Goals: In many organizations, employees face pressure to achieve specific targets or goals, such as sales quotas or project deadlines. This pressure can create a dilemma where individuals may be tempted to engage in unethical behavior to meet these objectives. Wells Fargo's scandal in 2016, where employees opened unauthorized accounts to meet sales targets, is an example of how pressure to meet goals can lead to unethical conduct.

3. Lack of Accountability: When there is a lack of accountability for unethical behavior, employees may feel that they can act with impunity. This can erode ethical standards within an organization. For instance, the Volkswagen emissions scandal in 2015 revealed that the company had installed software in its vehicles to cheat emissions tests, highlighting a lack of accountability and ethical oversight.

4. Organizational Culture: The culture within an organization plays a significant role in shaping ethical behavior. If the prevailing culture is one that prioritizes short-term gains, cuts corners, or tolerates misconduct, it can lead to unethical behavior. The culture at Uber, for example, was criticized for fostering a toxic environment that enabled unethical conduct, including sexual harassment and discrimination.

5. Individual Factors: Personal characteristics, such as values, attitudes, and moral development, can also influence ethical conduct. Individuals with low moral development or a lack of personal integrity may be more prone to engage in unethical behavior. Additionally, factors such as financial stress, job dissatisfaction, or a sense of entitlement can contribute to unethical conduct.

It's important to note that these causes can interact and reinforce each other, making it more challenging to address unethical conduct in workplaces. Organizations can mitigate these causes by promoting ethical leadership, establishing clear ethical guidelines, fostering a culture of accountability, and providing ethics training and support for employees.