Misconduct

Misconduct is of particular importance in professional settings (e.g. lawyers, scientists, doctors, military personnel), in the workplace and various institutions (e.g. schools, hospitals, prisons). Two categories of misconduct are sexual misconduct and official misconduct. In connection with school discipline, "misconduct" is generally understood to be student behavior that is unacceptable to school officials but does not violate criminal statutes, including absenteeism, tardiness, bullying, and inappropriate language. Misconduct in the workplace generally falls under two categories. Minor misconduct is seen as unacceptable but is not a criminal offense (e.g. being late, faking qualifications). Gross misconduct can lead to immediate dismissal because it is serious enough and possibly criminal, e.g. stealing or sexual harassment.

Organizational

Organization and management scholars have paid much attention to the causes, forms, modes of development, and consequences of misconduct within or among organizations. They have studied different types of misconduct, such as white-collar crimes, insider trading, or deceptive accounting. Financial misconduct became prominent after the financial crisis of 2007–2008 that revealed how financial organizations can operate profitable illicit activities over decades. Organizational misconduct can involve many organizations that collaborate, such as the case of cartels where firms reduce competition by agreeing on production or pricing, then conceal their actions together and maintain collective secret.