The rationalization of unethical behaviour is argued to be a common practice in the world today. This essay will examine some of the most common reasons and the driving motivation that rests behind these actions. Beginning with an overview of the most used excuses, this study will lay out a foundation to build upon. Following this with a section as to the why and how behind the utilization of rationalizations will demonstrate the trend to employ the instruments. In the end, this essay will use the evidence presented to establish a better understanding as to the continued utilization of rationalizations in order to explain unethical behaviour.
Ranking among the top of the most uses excuses to cover unethical behaviour, is the phrase “Everybody does it” (Ethics Alarms 2001). This reasoning establishes a link between the poor behaviour and the accepted standard in the environment. Grebey (2013) employs the market of online music copying as a demonstration of the excuse that everyone else is doing it, does not in fact make it the right thing to do. This approach illustrates that despite the associated number of others participating in the same pattern of behaviour, the negative practice is still against the rules.
The rationalization “They’re just as bad” relies on much of the same principles of group identification as the first example (Ethics Alarms 2001). Using others to justify the actions in question is a clear indication that the person is aware of the wrongness of their position. Anand, Ashforth and Joshi (2004) argue that individuals are able to this because of the fact that it is a commonly held view that there is a certain amount of corruption everywhere. Rationalizing this event as a meaningless example of the common behaviour allows the person to feel better about themselves while still doing the questionable activity.
Among the leading excuses employed after the event has occurred is the phrase “It worked out for the best.” (Ethics Alarms 2001). This excuse belittles the dishonesty and praises the bad practice, making this approach reprehensible on many levels. The overall nature of the act must be considered at the moment of inception, not after the consequences, good or bad have been demonstrated (Treviño and Nelson 1995). It is important to recognize that any rationalization is an effort by the individual to make their behaviour acceptable in the eyes of the rest of the population.
Misdirection is a common tool used in the effort to rationalize behaviour, the phrase “If is not illegal, then it is ethical” has been used by individuals in their attempts to explain their behaviour (Ethics Alarm 2001). By pointing out the fact that it is not legal, the person is equating the result to the same as being legal. This approach forgives the moral qualms and focuses on a very large scenario, which is deceptive in itself (Eduardo 2011). The act of attributing the action to a completely unrelated event is meant to justify a person’s actions.
Finally, the art of following the rules has been used as a means to explain unethical behaviour (Ethics Alarm 2001). Even though the act can be attributed to a strict interpretation of the rules, the knowledge by the person that it is a questionable act demonstrates the principle at work. Many cultures inherently follow the rules, no matter the ethical implications (Kaptein 2011). In many cases, the rules allow a person to release any feeling of responsibility and perform the act.
In the end, this essay has examined evidence as to the motivation and factors behind the rationalization of unethical behaviour. This study demonstrates that the need to rationalize is an inherent desire to find acceptance in the eyes of others in order to justify what that person suspects is unethical. It will remain the diligent application of a balanced moral centre that will allow a true assessment and implementation of ethical action.
References
Eduardo, C. (2011). A Critical View of the Financial Sector and the Behaviour of People. What to Do?. Cairn, 1 (1), pp. 86-93.
Ethics Alarms (2001). Unethical Rationalizations and Misconceptions. [online] Retrieved from: http://ethicsalarms.com/rule-book/unethical-rationalizations-and-misconceptions/ [Accessed: 6 Jul 2013].
Grebey, J. (2013). Rationalizing Unethical Behaviour or Taking the High Road – A Business Owner’s Guide to Drafting an Ethics Policy. National Association of Entrepreneurs, 1 (1), pp. 1-5.
Kaptein, M. (2013). Understanding unethical behaviour by unravelling ethical culture. Human Relations, 64 (6), pp. 843-869.
Treviño, L. and Nelson, K. (1995). Managing business ethics. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
