Abstract
Ethical behavior and decision making in business is driven by a variety of factors. Research shows that ethical leadership and codes of ethics and conduct are two of the most significant factors. In a struggling economy will employees look to their management, company policy, or themselves and their family when making ethical decisions? What is the most significant factor in ethical decision making in a bad economy? For this thesis, the data was obtained through a survey conducted in Fresno County, California. Surveys were completed online via SurveyGizmo (a web survey service) and by hand. Approximately 225 surveys were distributed and 116 were returned complete. The surveys asked questions about the respondents ethical behaviors and decision making at work and what factors they considered when making certain decisions. My research concluded that while ethical leadership and codes of ethics/conduct are factors given significant consideration in ethical decision making by employees, their own personal ethics and effect on family are the primary factors considered in a struggling economy. Almost all the survey respondents felt the U.S. economy was still struggling and anticipated it would be several years before it improves.