Using Behavioral Ethics to Reduce Organizational Misconduct
Forthcoming, Behavioral Science and Policy Special Volume on Corruption
16 Pages Posted: 11 Feb 2017 Last revised: 23 Jun 2018
Date Written: December 5, 2017
Abstract
Even “good people”—those who think of themselves as being ethical— may engage in corrupt actions. In fact, the situations that seem least problematic can sometimes cause good people to behave immorally. Behavioral ethics research has demonstrated that various unconscious and self-deceptive mental processes promote such behavior in those individuals. To reduce the frequency of misbehavior by normally wellintentioned individuals, policymakers need to be aware that classic approaches to limiting corruption sometimes increase the likelihood that good people will engage in misconduct. Regulators also need to expand their toolbox beyond formal ethical codes and financial incentives by adding preventive interventions that are based on behavioral ethics research.
Keywords: behavioral ethics, nudges, corruption, conflict of interests, enforcement, behavioral economics, law and psychology, Organizational Misconducts
JEL Classification: K42; L50; M38; K23
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation