From a national survey of businesses, the findings revealed 50% of those surveyed reported they had observed misconduct (e.g., conflict of interest, abusive behavior, and lying).  However, more than 40% indicated they did not report it because they feared retaliation or that they thought it would be futile to do so.  One explanation for this finding is that the organizational cultures of the companies surveyed do not encourage those who observe misconduct to speak out.

In response to this, Mr. James T. Pursell Sr. of Sylacauga, Ala., established an annual award in 2008 to provide operating funds for the Auburn University Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures, to be housed in the College of Business.  This center's primary focus is to formulate a research program to assess ethical and unethical cultures.  After an organization's culture has been assessed, an organizational change program can be advanced to facilitate the development of a more ethical organizational culture. 

Selected individuals formally associated with Auburn University, and some not formally associated with Auburn University, will be named to a Center Advisory Council.  This CAC will be expected to assist the center director in establishing contacts and identifying additional sponsors (including research sites and other individuals/organizations) that will contribute to the fulfillment of the center's mission.