Your donation assists the NASBA CPT in promoting and advancing ethics in business, education and society.
2025 Ethics in Action Winners
Thank you to all who submitted, viewed and voted on the video submissions for the 2025 Ethics in Action Video Competition! This year, the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) received 54 submissions and nearly 50,000 views! Videos this year showcased themes of marketing ethics, artificial intelligence (AI) usage, nepotism and resume padding. While they were all fantastic, the CPT would like to congratulate the winners below:
The 2025 NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) Golf Classic will take place at The Hermitage Golf Course on May 13, 2025, in Old Hickory, TN. The annual Classic is an event you won’t want to miss it!
Playing in the CPT Golf Classic aids the CPT in fulfilling its mission to develop, empower and promote ethical leaders. Funds generated from the Golf Classic sponsor students to attend the annual StudentCPT Leadership Conference where aspiring professionals learn about who they are, what they value and how to protect it. Studies indicate that one in four employees will face an ethical challenge in their lifetime. The CPT believes that with proper education, exposure and guidance, individuals can learn how to navigate these challenges with their careers and conscience intact. Remember, it’s not if you will encounter an ethical dilemma, but when. Are you prepared?
All you need to do to advance ethical leadership is sign up, show up and have a blast. The event will feature a putting contest, a ‘Beat the Pro’ contest, barbeque from Honeyfire Barbeque, raffles and so much more. Registration ends on May 1 and space is limited. Hurry on over to the tournament’s registration page here to sign up. For more details about the 2025 CPT Golf Classic, visit: https://thecpt.org/2025/01/03/2025-cpt-golf-classic/.
Trickle Down Ethi-nomics: Do Bottom Level Workers Share the Views of The Top?
A review of studies and stats about the state of workplace ethics points to an alarming trend that has emerged. It seems that leadership has a rosier view of the state of ethics in their workplace than non-managerial employees. This rosy view of workplace ethics not only pertains to how those in management see their workplace, but also how they see themselves, which could have a compounding negative effect on workplace culture.
According to stats by the Ethics and Compliance Institute (ECI), 72% of top management and 54% of middle management perceive an ethically strong culture at work compared to only 43% of non-management. Even more shocking, the same study revealed that 48% of top management and 44% of middle management (compared to 36% of non-management) agreed that their organization rewards questionable behavior as long as it yields favorable results. These two data points seem contradictory- how can top management both agree that their organization rewards questionable behavior AND that their organization has an ethically strong workplace culture? Odder still, it seems that top management might even be more aware of ethical grievances committed at work as 48% of top management compared to 36% of non-management agree that results are king, no matter how they are achieved.
These are the only statistic differences between leadership and non-leadership employees. On average, business leaders are both faced with more ethical dilemmas. Leaders also report being familiar with their organization’s code of ethics (96%) and feel that the ethics training they receive at work is effective (94%). Younger generations, however, don’t agree with only 28% of Gen Z finding their ethics training to be effective. Business leaders tend to rate themselves as more ethical, more prepared and better trained- but how can this be true when they are coerced to bend the rules and experience more ethical dilemmas than others? Those dilemmas and coercions come from somewhere- likely from others at the top. Additionally, only half of leaders discuss ethics on a regular basis and 55% of employees report only hearing about ethics when something goes wrong.
Are these stats about business leaders a circular path of destruction? It’s possible that business leaders see themselves are more ethical than they are, which leads them to feel that they are doing a better job or creating an ethical culture than they are, which leads them to disregard evidence of an ethically weak culture. While leaders ignore the facts, non-management employees feel the culture fully and this disconnect between what leadership believes and what is results in distrust. Young workers are less likely than other generations to turn to leadership when ethical dilemmas occur and the worrying stats above might explain why.
In order to prevent this vicious cycle business leaders need to be challenged to analyze why they believe their workplace has an ethical culture. What protocols are in place? What protection is there for those reporting misdeeds? Are they rewarding the wrong methods? Are they promoting people who agree with them or who are honest and vocal about what they see? Are they addressing ethics regularly or only when the organization is in crisis?
If business leaders can’t answer these questions confidently, it might be time to come to terms with a workplace culture that is significantly less ethical than it appears.
Every story involves conflict, or it wouldn’t be interesting. Sometimes conflict is personal or perhaps geographical, but today the focus is on conflict that arises from different ethical systems.
This type of conflict is seen in shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Lost and The Bear. Tywin Lannister and Ned Stark have vastly different ethical systems that shape how they view right and wrong. Rick and The Governor have differing opinions on how an ethical society should be rebuilt. Jack and Ben investigate the age-old question of fear versus love in leadership. Carmie and Richie fight over the desire to innovate versus the desire to honor tradition.
Each of these individuals have values that they hold dear and in turn, pass along to their followers. The Stark children value community, honesty and hard work while the Lannister children grow up valuing ambition, achievement and status. In the same way, Rick passes on a respect for law, Jack passes on valuing community over the individual, and Carmie continually pushes for innovation.
Leadership in the workplace is no different. Leaders set the tone for what will be valuable within their team through example and reward. Leaders who embody and embrace honesty, integrity, fairness and respect will in turn have honest, fair and respectful direct reports. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. Leaders who are overly driven by results, cutthroat and demeaning indirectly teach a team that exhibiting those qualities is how they will advance. When lying to secure a client, fudging the numbers to be awarded a grant, and abusing company policy become the norm, a toxic workplace culture is born.
Unethical leaders beget toxic, unethical cultures, but how damaging can an unethical culture really be? The answer is very, very damaging. The Global Business Ethics Survey from ECI states that ethical workplace culture is the single most important contributing factor to the ethical health of a business. Workers with an ethical workplace culture are 74% less likely to feel pressure compromise ethical standards. Additionally, there is an 80% drop in observed unethical conduct in businesses that report ethical work cultures.
Ethical business culture can be seen like bonfire. Ethical leaders will tend the fire with care, making sure it stays contained and beneficial for all. Unethical leaders, however, will stoke the flames too high or put the fire out completely- causing ethical employees to burn out or freeze to death as a result.
While it might be tempting to push the limits of what is ethical because no one will notice, we learned from Aristotle that we become what we habitually do. While it might be tempting to use leadership status to excuse certain behaviors, we learned from Kant that no act can be ethical unless it would be ethical for everyone to do it. While it might be tempting to take advantage of opportunities at the expense of others, Mill teaches us that what is good is good for the greatest amount of people. Ethical leaders will remember these teachings and remember to lead by example- creating an ethical workplace culture along the way.
The 2025 NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) Golf Classic is less than two months away! There is still time to team up with the CPT as we strive towards our vision of advancing ethical leadership to influence the world. Ethics are ever evolving and constantly needed- the CPT stands firm in our mission to develop, empower and promote ethical leaders but we need your help! On May 13, 2025, join the CPT at the Hermitage Golf Course in Nashville, TN, for a day of friendly competition, good food and fantastic giveaways for an even better cause.
Proceeds from the 2025 CPT Golf Classic directly support our Sponsor a Leader Campaign, which allows students to attend our annual StudentCPT Leadership Conference (SLC) at absolutely no cost to them. At this conference, students receive hands on ethics education and leadership training that empowers them to stay true to their values, embody their leadership potential and change the world. We know that one in four employees will face an ethical dilemma at work and that 65% of the workforce has experienced ethical misconduct in the last 12 months. We also know that compared to older generations, young people today feel half as prepared to deal with ethical conundrums and misconduct in the workplace. This lack of preparedness can lead bright young leaders to make poor choices that end their careers before they begin. The CPT believes that this can stop and with your help, we can get closer to that goal.
By participating in the 2025 CPT Golf Classic, you are actively participating in creating a more ethical world. This year’s Classic will feature several chances to win great prizes, eat great food and do immense good. Registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found here while more information can be found here.
A massive thank you to our sponsors who have already joined us in the fight for a more ethical future: Deloitte, CGI, Newbern Consulting, Burkett, Burkett & Burkett CPA, P.A, Unico Properties, Fivestar Breaktime Solutions and more!
Lead with Integrity: 3 C’s of Highly Effective Teams and Leaders
Ethics Matters
Q1 2025
Have you ever considered the fact that highly effective teams have similar qualities and characteristics of highly effective leaders? To understand leadership, you must understand the role a leader’s character and behavior has in shaping their teams and organizations. Your actions set the tone for the entire organization and speak volumes to your commitment to those you serve and the team you surround yourself with.
Let’s talk about the 3 C’s common to highly effective teams and leaders.
Communication – Highly effective teams and leaders create thriving environments through effective communication. They recognize the need to communicate specifically with each audience or constituency in the way they prefer. There is also an earnest desire for feedback not relegated to top down. In fact, they seek feedback from everyone around them looking for honest critiques to guide them toward corrective actions for improvement.
Creativity – There is a relentless focus on creativity by effective teams and leaders. Creativity is a skill, which means that an emphasis on creativity leads to investments in skill development. It also establishes a commitment to celebrate failures just as much as successes, because they know a greater degree of growth and learning comes from failures and the struggles as you perfect the process.
Collaboration – Lastly, effective teams and leaders understand the impact and need for collaboration. They seek the collective input of diverse experiences and thoughts of others to solve problems. This is the definition of entrepreneurism. Working across the organization, seeking input from various stakeholders and involving thought leaders from industry and the community help to provide multiple solutions to problems and create a greater sense of engagement and commitment to success for everyone involved.
How do you ensure that your team is focused on the 3 C’s? As you lead with integrity, remember that your commitment to communication, creativity, and collaboration will inspire those around you to be a highly effective team.
Good News: Verizon Erases $10m In Debt for Western North Carolina Families
Ethics Matters
Q1 2025
In recent news, Verizon announced that it is teaming up with ForgiveCo to eliminate $10 million in consumer debt for 6,500 Western North Carolinians as part of Verizon’s ongoing commitment to recovery following Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Additionally, the company stated that basketball Hall of Fame coach and Asheville, NC, native Roy Williams will be the one to share the news with the impacted families.
This generosity follows Verizon’s $400,000 donation to United Way of North Carolina. The company donated the funds immediately following the storm.
Founder and CEO of ForgiveCo Craig Antico said, “through this effort, Verizon will bring transformative change to the lives of North Carolinians in crisis, leaving a lasting mark on future generations.” Atlantic South Market President of Verizon Leigh Anne Lanier stated, “Verizon believes in the power of connection, not only through our technology but through the bonds we build with the communities we serve. To the 6,500 individuals impacted by this initiative and the broader Western North Carolina community, we are with you. We will always stand by you, not just as a business, but as a partner and a neighbor.”
Do you know of a good news story near you? Email us at [email protected]!
The second annual Balance Sheet Bash took place from January 28-30, 2025, in Alabama. It is a three-city tour (Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery) promoting diversity in accounting and is intended for students majoring in accounting or from a college of business major interested in learning more about the industry. The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) was a proud sponsor of the Balance Sheet Bash.
CPT President Sedrik Newbern attended and presented on ‘Navigating Your First Year in the Workforce,’ advising students on how to make a strong start to their career. He was able to connect with students from the following universities:
Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Athens State University
Miles College
Tuskegee University
University of Montevallo
University of North Alabama
There was a total of 179 participants on-site. Other topics covered included mentoring, amplifying diverse voices and networking for career growth. Feedback was collected from participants after the conference and it was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees boasting the mentoring and networking opportunities.
The 2025 Student Leadership Conference (SLC) will be held June 23-25 in Philadelphia, PA, adjacent to the NASBA Eastern Regional Meeting. This year will be special as CPT will be opening SLC sponsorship slots to schools who qualify as partners under the new StudentCPT Tier system. A total of 30 student leaders from StudentCPT chapters and tiers have committed their attendance with one StudentCPT chapter advisor participating in events. With this growth, there will be two new takeaway components to the conference that allow students to add resources to their professional journeys.
Student leaders from across the country come together for the SLC to hear from nationally recognized speakers focusing on topics like accountability, strengthening soft skills, emotional intelligence and more. Through keynote presentations, networking and roundtable discussions, students develop critical leadership skills that allow them to be better leaders on campus and in the workplace.
Partial and full conference scholarships are available to StudentCPT members. This conference is made possible because of the support received from CPT’s generous donors and sponsors. To learn more about the SLC, attend as a StudentCPT advisor or to sponsor a conference attendee, email [email protected] or visit https://www.studentcpt.org/about/.
The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) is a proud professional partner of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and was honored to attend its 2025 Mid-Year Meetings in January and February. The BAP conference took place in Atlanta, GA, and Dallas, TX, both featured prominent speakers, student leaders, leadership activities and competitions.
StudentCPT Student Programs Manager Jasmine Gaetano attended to promote student programs, such as the Ethical Leadership Certification Program (ELCP), StudentCPT chapters and the Tier system. Serving as a judge in the Best Practices Competition panel, where students developed and executed programs that promote awareness and student involvement in projects is something Gaetano does at every BAP Mid-Year and Annual Meeting. She also monitored the main ‘Leadership Activity’ where BAP members were timed, given challenges with an ever-changing environment and asked to meet a deadline. This is intended to expose students to obstacles they will face in the workforce.
Gaetano was grateful to spend time with StudentCPT officers and advisors who also serve under Beta Alpha Psi, as well as professional partners and professors who utilize StudentCPT programs.
For more information on how StudentCPT programs can better serve students, please visit https://www.studentcpt.org/.
NASBA Center For Public Trust 
