MANAGERS PERCEPTION OF PROPER ETHICAL CONDUCT - THE EFFECT OF SEX, AGE, AND LEVEL OF EDUCATION

This study examined the impact of sex, age, and level of education on the perception of various business practices by managers of a large no n-profit organization. Female managers perceived the acceptance of gif ts and favors in exchange for preferential treatment significantly mor e unethical than male managers. Older managers (40 plus) perceived fiv e practices significantly more unethical than younger managers (giving gifts/favors in exchange for preferential treatment, divulging confid ential information, concealing ones error, falsifying reports, and cal ling in sick to take a day off). The practice of padding expense accou nt by over 10% was reported to be significantly more unethical by mana gers with a graduate degree.