Positive and Negative Consequences of Taking Moral Ownership

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Think about what might happen if you take moral ownership, that is, speak up (Hannah et al., 2011) about the moral problem you identified for your memo. In particular, Matt and Shahinpoor (2011) talk about consequences that employees may experience by saying something about a moral problem. What are the potential positive consequences?
Taking responsibility for personal action is relatively easy. However, taking responsibility for others or those of the organization can be challenging. However, moral ownership stipulates that individuals have psychological control over their spaces and, most importantly, their place of work (Hannah et al., 2011). The probability that an employee will have moral ownership depends on how the corporate culture embraces clarity, congruence, visibility, supportability, transparency, and sanction ability, key workplace elements that enhance moral ownership. Where these elements are embraced, there are several potentially positive consequences of moral ownership of an act of sexual harassment.
For instance, speaking up about sexual harassment without the potential consequences of losing a job or demotion creates a positive and inclusive environment. Further, it sustains a culture that makes it harder for ethical misconduct to go unchecked or unpunished. Another positive consequence of taking moral ownership of sexual misconduct is that it creates a sense of justice and accountability in the organizational culture (Matt and Shahinpoor, 2011). Another positive consequence is that a person who takes moral ownership will earn colleagues' respect and trust. These elements are essential for success in the corporate world.
What are the potential negative consequences?
However, there are potential adverse outcomes of taking moral ownership of sexual misconduct, especially in organizations where the above elements are least observed. In such organizations, members are least likely to take moral ownership because they may lose their jobs, face demotion, face prosecution, or even threats to life. Thus, the first negative consequence of moral ownership, in this case, is that those who take it may experience ostracism and isolation in the workplace Matt and Shahinpoor (2011). Furthermore, s...