Abstract: Unintentional ethical violations by employees occur due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of knowledge or understanding of ethical standards, workplace pressures, ambiguous policies, unconscious biases, organizational culture, and rapid technological advancements. This study, based on primary data from 20 purposively sampled employees (70% male, 30% female) aged 20-50 at Emporia State University, used interviews to identify factors contributing to unintentional ethical violations and their impacts on individuals and organizations. This paper investigates the causes and consequences of such ethical breaches, emphasizing their complex and multifaceted nature. The consequences of unintentional ethical violations can be severe for both individuals and organizations, including reputational damage, legal and regulatory repercussions, financial loss, operational disruptions, and decreased employee morale. Through a qualitative-empirical approach, this study identifies key factors contributing to these violations and provides strategic recommendations for organizations to mitigate risks. Effective strategies include comprehensive employee training and education, clear communication of ethical standards, and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes ethics through robust reporting and whistleblowing systems. Adopting these measures can help organizations maintain their integrity, reputation, and operational efficiency by preventing unintentional ethical violations.

Key words: unintentional ethical violations, whistleblowing, ethical decision-making, workplace stress, unconscious bias, ethical breaches

JEL code: M1, L2