Recent research by RSM, Gijs van Houwelingen, shows that middle management copies unethical behavior as shown by top management regardless of how ethical they are as an individual. This article elaborates.
The research is also published in:
www.destinyman.com/2015/06/09/distance-between-your-boss-is-a-good-thing/
www.destinyconnect.com/2015/06/09/put-some-distance-between-you-and-your-boss-study/