Fall 2015 Issue of Horizons

The data obtained by the ERC during its study revealed that having a strong ethics culture in place at a firm transcends differences in generational perspectives toward ethical behavior. However, with Millennials continuing to have more influence on the workforce, considering their perspectives and inclinations with regard to workplace ethics will be necessary to refine compliance and employee development programming. Millennials greatly depend on social interactions to shape their perceptions about ethics. As such, “relationship-based” communication styles (such as direct conversations and counseling from close supervisors and other influential colleagues) should be promoted in order to further communicate firm policies on ethical matters. While development and communication of broad, firm-wide policies are important, the opportunities to discuss workplace ethics in an interactive fashion that allows for upward and downward feedback should be encouraged.

While firm ethics education that contains multiple elements of training, advice and anonymous, non-retributive mediums of upward communication (such as whistleblower hotlines) allows all employees to be proactive in reporting instances of misconduct, the implementation of robust programming had the largest impact on Millennials’ inclination to use a firm’s reporting tools. In summary, four key elements of a company’s culture and ethics compliance program were noted in the study that identified Millennials as the be most likely to report instances of wrongdoing through the use of company resources:

∙ Communicating the availability of company reporting mechanisms

∙ Identifying an individual that can serve as a source of advice for ethical issues that arise

∙ Creating a culture that allows for co- workers to be relied upon for support

∙ Programming that will allow employees to feel prepared to handle ethical dilemmas when they arise

RubinBrown’s Law Firms Services Group RubinBrown has a dedicated business unit to serve the unique needs of law firms staffed with professionals experienced in working with service-focused organizations.

Don Esstman, CPA — Denver Partner Law Firms Services Group 303.952.1284 don.esstman@rubinbrown.com

Matt Finke, CPA, CGMA — St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Law Firms Services Group 314.290.3365 matt.finke@rubinbrown.com

Kristin Bettorf, CPA — St. Louis Partner & Vice Chair Law Firms Services Group 314.290.3416 kristin.bettorf@rubinbrown.com

Mary Ramm, CPA — Kansas City Partner Law Firms Services Group 913.499.4406 mary.ramm@rubinbrown.com

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