We've all heard that a strong code of ethics is good for the bottom line. When it comes to individual professionals, does having good ethics help your wallet? An article by HBR Stat suggests not:
male business professionals who self-report high ethical character earn, on average, 3.4% less than their peers who don't
men who reported that their MBA programs enhanced their ethical standards received 6.5% lower wages than men who reported no such gain
For females, it's the other way around:
Female professionals who self-report high ethical standards receive no pay penalty, and women who said that their schooling had raised their standards received a premium averaging 5.5%
One explanation could be that a lack of ethics can put yourself and your company's interest before your 'clients'. Hence, a higher pay.
Any other theories on why this is? Do you agree? Do you notice this at your work? Do you consider yourself having high/low ethics and feeling under/overpaid?
