The school's Center for Ethical Concerns surveyed 43 chief executives of Northern Virginia technology companies. The survey also showed disparate views on specific ethical questions that executives face. Phone calls appear to be more sacrosanct, however, as 57 percent of executives considered it unethical to monitor employees' phone conversations, while 27 percent said it is ethical. Byers said that by emphasizing such ideas as pride, honesty and values, a company can make itself more financially successful.
Turnover is less at firms that foster an ethical culture.
Marymount, which is in Arlington, will conduct private forums to which the executives surveyed will be invited to discuss the findings. The school's Center for Ethical Concerns was founded in 1993 to study issues of ethics, particularly involving business.