The moral values and attitudes of significant others can affect an employee's perception of what is ethical and unethical behavior in the workplace. Opportunity refers to the amount of latitude that exists in an organization that allows an employee to behave unethically. In some organizations, company policies and procedures are used to reduce opportunity to be unethical. The existence of an ethical code and the importance placed on this code is another determinant of opportunity. The degree of enforcement of company policies, procedures, and ethical codes is a major force affecting opportunity.
Most authorities agree that there is room for improvement in business ethics.
A more problematic issue is whether business can be made more ethical in the real world. The majority of viewpoints on this issue suggest that government, trade associations, and individual firms can establish acceptable levels of behavior. The government can establish acceptable levels of behavior by passing more stringent regulations. Trade associations can provide and often do provide ethical guidelines for their members to follow. These associations are in a position to exert pressure on members who stoop to questionable business practices.