The research, undertaken amongst 1,000 employees by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), found nearly 25% have never read their employer's or professional body's code of standards or conduct and the same amount have knowingly broken professional guidelines at work. Men are significantly more likely to do so than their female counterparts (30% vs 19%).
The survey also revealed of those belonging to a professional body (74%), 21% didn't know if there was a code of standards or conduct that they were required to follow.
But despite this lack of knowledge, nearly 60% of those surveyed would think better of a manager if they made an effort to abide by professional guidelines at work.
The results are released as CMI commences updating its Code of Conduct and reminding members of the values of abiding by it. Following a review by CMI's Professional Standards Committee (PSC), CMI's 'Code of Professional Conduct and Practice' has been updated and renamed as the 'Code of Practice for Professional Managers'.
Ruth Spellman, chief executive of CMI (pictured) said: "It is imperative that CMI's own professional guidelines are clear, concise and accessible. Our research shows managers who make an effort to stick to professional guidelines gain the respect of their teams. By updating our own code we're therefore helping managers to set a great example and giving them the tools they need to succeed."
New Members are being asked to sign up to the code when they join and members of the CMI also sign up to the code when they review their memberships annually.
