Jan E. Stets and Kevin McCaffree
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- July 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190873066
- eISBN:
- 9780190873097
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190873066.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
We describe how people can claim to be moral individuals while simultaneously engaging in immoral behavior. We take as our starting point moral disengagement strategies in which people selectively ...
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We describe how people can claim to be moral individuals while simultaneously engaging in immoral behavior. We take as our starting point moral disengagement strategies in which people selectively disengage from their harmful behavior. People may equate their harmful actions with worthy goals; soften bad actions to make them sound better; ignore or deny bad consequences; or blame others for bad outcomes. We argue that these and other strategies are cognitive devices to manage identity non-verification (“I am a good person, but I am doing a bad thing”) and the negative feelings that ensue. We discuss how different strategies are used depending upon the identities that are activated, and how these strategies evolve from a deliberate process that becomes habitual over time. We also discuss how these strategies might be tempered so that individuals become aware of the bad consequences of their behavior and take steps to alleviate them.Less
We describe how people can claim to be moral individuals while simultaneously engaging in immoral behavior. We take as our starting point moral disengagement strategies in which people selectively disengage from their harmful behavior. People may equate their harmful actions with worthy goals; soften bad actions to make them sound better; ignore or deny bad consequences; or blame others for bad outcomes. We argue that these and other strategies are cognitive devices to manage identity non-verification (“I am a good person, but I am doing a bad thing”) and the negative feelings that ensue. We discuss how different strategies are used depending upon the identities that are activated, and how these strategies evolve from a deliberate process that becomes habitual over time. We also discuss how these strategies might be tempered so that individuals become aware of the bad consequences of their behavior and take steps to alleviate them.
Daniel Beunza
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780691162812
- eISBN:
- 9780691185996
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691162812.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
Debates about financial reform have led to the recognition that a healthy financial system does not depend solely on how it is structured—organizational culture matters as well. Based on extensive ...
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Debates about financial reform have led to the recognition that a healthy financial system does not depend solely on how it is structured—organizational culture matters as well. Based on extensive research in a Wall Street derivatives-trading room, this book considers how the culture of financial organizations might change in order for them to remain healthy, even in times of crises. In particular, the book explores how the extensive use of financial models and trading technologies over the recent decades has exerted a far-ranging and troubling influence on Wall Street. How have models reshaped financial markets? How have models altered moral behavior in organizations? The book takes readers behind the scenes in a bank unit that, within its firm, is widely perceived to be “a class act,” and it considers how this trading room unit might serve as a blueprint solution for the ills of Wall Street's unsustainable culture. It demonstrates that the integration of traders across desks reduces the danger of blind spots created by models. Warning against the risk of moral disengagement posed by the use of models, the book also contends that such disengagement could be avoided by instituting moral norms and social relations. The book profiles what an effective, responsible trading room can and should look like.Less
Debates about financial reform have led to the recognition that a healthy financial system does not depend solely on how it is structured—organizational culture matters as well. Based on extensive research in a Wall Street derivatives-trading room, this book considers how the culture of financial organizations might change in order for them to remain healthy, even in times of crises. In particular, the book explores how the extensive use of financial models and trading technologies over the recent decades has exerted a far-ranging and troubling influence on Wall Street. How have models reshaped financial markets? How have models altered moral behavior in organizations? The book takes readers behind the scenes in a bank unit that, within its firm, is widely perceived to be “a class act,” and it considers how this trading room unit might serve as a blueprint solution for the ills of Wall Street's unsustainable culture. It demonstrates that the integration of traders across desks reduces the danger of blind spots created by models. Warning against the risk of moral disengagement posed by the use of models, the book also contends that such disengagement could be avoided by instituting moral norms and social relations. The book profiles what an effective, responsible trading room can and should look like.
Allison B. Mueller and Linda J. Skitka
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- November 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190685942
- eISBN:
- 9780190086060
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190685942.003.0006
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
The goal of this chapter is to describe how the same act can be perceived as morally courageous, on the one hand, and as evil, on the other. The authors contend that both moral courage and moral ...
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The goal of this chapter is to describe how the same act can be perceived as morally courageous, on the one hand, and as evil, on the other. The authors contend that both moral courage and moral disregard could be driven by two sides of the same process. Strong moral conviction that a stance is right or wrong (i.e., moral or immoral) may make it easier to disengage from normative standards to serve that belief, including harming others for a perceived higher moral purpose. In turn, the consequences of disengaging from normative standards could be perceived as heroic by like-minded observers or as morally bankrupt by non-like-minded observers (e.g., violence incited by the Israeli–Palestinian conflict may be perceived as heroic by observers who believe that it serves a higher moral purpose or as deeply immoral by people on the other side of the conflict who do not share that moral conviction).Less
The goal of this chapter is to describe how the same act can be perceived as morally courageous, on the one hand, and as evil, on the other. The authors contend that both moral courage and moral disregard could be driven by two sides of the same process. Strong moral conviction that a stance is right or wrong (i.e., moral or immoral) may make it easier to disengage from normative standards to serve that belief, including harming others for a perceived higher moral purpose. In turn, the consequences of disengaging from normative standards could be perceived as heroic by like-minded observers or as morally bankrupt by non-like-minded observers (e.g., violence incited by the Israeli–Palestinian conflict may be perceived as heroic by observers who believe that it serves a higher moral purpose or as deeply immoral by people on the other side of the conflict who do not share that moral conviction).
Michelle K. Duffy, Jason D. Shaw, and John M. Schaubroeck
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195327953
- eISBN:
- 9780199301485
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195327953.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter reviews recent studies examining the link between employee envy and a host of organizational outcomes at the individual and group level, from poorer leader-member exchange, lower job ...
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This chapter reviews recent studies examining the link between employee envy and a host of organizational outcomes at the individual and group level, from poorer leader-member exchange, lower job satisfaction, less liking for co-workers, lower organization-based self-esteem, lower group performance, higher turnover, higher absence rates, higher social loafing, to increased performance in some instances. It shows that the role of envy in organizational life is complex. Some organizations can purposely encourage envy among employees because of its apparent motivational benefits. Whether this is good or bad, all things considered, has no pat answer. The chapter also summarizes findings on the link between envy and moral disengagement in organizational settings. It appears that people who are envious can commit harmful acts in a guilt-free manner by rationalizing their harmful behavior. This allows them to avoid personal responsibility for their actions. Envy seems to be especially conducive to both harmful acts and to moral disengagement.Less
This chapter reviews recent studies examining the link between employee envy and a host of organizational outcomes at the individual and group level, from poorer leader-member exchange, lower job satisfaction, less liking for co-workers, lower organization-based self-esteem, lower group performance, higher turnover, higher absence rates, higher social loafing, to increased performance in some instances. It shows that the role of envy in organizational life is complex. Some organizations can purposely encourage envy among employees because of its apparent motivational benefits. Whether this is good or bad, all things considered, has no pat answer. The chapter also summarizes findings on the link between envy and moral disengagement in organizational settings. It appears that people who are envious can commit harmful acts in a guilt-free manner by rationalizing their harmful behavior. This allows them to avoid personal responsibility for their actions. Envy seems to be especially conducive to both harmful acts and to moral disengagement.
Barbara K. Redman
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780262019811
- eISBN:
- 9780262317757
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262019811.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
Moral disengagement and self-deception precipitated by or supported in a research environment can weaken a researcher's understanding that he is breaking ethical rules. What elements of a work ...
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Moral disengagement and self-deception precipitated by or supported in a research environment can weaken a researcher's understanding that he is breaking ethical rules. What elements of a work environment are conducive to ethical conduct in research? Current research misconduct regulations don't conceive of professional morality as a developmental process with a possibility of rehabilitation. Especially for trainees, mentorship in research ethics must set standards, review source data and actively involve trainees in solving real life ethical problems, to aid their development.Less
Moral disengagement and self-deception precipitated by or supported in a research environment can weaken a researcher's understanding that he is breaking ethical rules. What elements of a work environment are conducive to ethical conduct in research? Current research misconduct regulations don't conceive of professional morality as a developmental process with a possibility of rehabilitation. Especially for trainees, mentorship in research ethics must set standards, review source data and actively involve trainees in solving real life ethical problems, to aid their development.
David Livingstone Smith
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190923006
- eISBN:
- 9780190092566
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190923006.003.0013
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter considers multiple theories of dehumanization. More specifically, this chapter aims to examine conflicting understandings of what causes dehumanization or what its function is. Some ...
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This chapter considers multiple theories of dehumanization. More specifically, this chapter aims to examine conflicting understandings of what causes dehumanization or what its function is. Some people think of dehumanization as the failure to recognize the humanity of others. Another popular but incorrect theory is that when people conceive of other people as less than human, this is just an alibi to excuse their cruel and destructive acts. Yet another misleading assumption is the claim that dehumanization promotes “moral disengagement”—a kind of distancing that casts others out from the “universe of moral obligation.” The chapter elaborates on the moral disengagement idea in particular, as it is not precisely correct in theory. After all, the inhibitions that dehumanization undermines are moral ones, and the violence that it unleashes often has an intensely moralistic tone.Less
This chapter considers multiple theories of dehumanization. More specifically, this chapter aims to examine conflicting understandings of what causes dehumanization or what its function is. Some people think of dehumanization as the failure to recognize the humanity of others. Another popular but incorrect theory is that when people conceive of other people as less than human, this is just an alibi to excuse their cruel and destructive acts. Yet another misleading assumption is the claim that dehumanization promotes “moral disengagement”—a kind of distancing that casts others out from the “universe of moral obligation.” The chapter elaborates on the moral disengagement idea in particular, as it is not precisely correct in theory. After all, the inhibitions that dehumanization undermines are moral ones, and the violence that it unleashes often has an intensely moralistic tone.
Sharon D. Welch
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781479883646
- eISBN:
- 9781479840571
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479883646.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
The fundamental goal of Engagement Scholarship is straightforward: the creation of mutually beneficial partnerships between universities and local communities to solve pressing social issues. The ...
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The fundamental goal of Engagement Scholarship is straightforward: the creation of mutually beneficial partnerships between universities and local communities to solve pressing social issues. The fulfillment of this goal requires learning two complex sets of skills and knowledges:How to be aware of histories of exploitation and injustice, and the likelihood of repeating those patterns in the present;How to create structures of genuinely working together to solve problems for the long haul – not short term or ideologically driven, naïve, or inappropriate fixes.Less
The fundamental goal of Engagement Scholarship is straightforward: the creation of mutually beneficial partnerships between universities and local communities to solve pressing social issues. The fulfillment of this goal requires learning two complex sets of skills and knowledges:How to be aware of histories of exploitation and injustice, and the likelihood of repeating those patterns in the present;How to create structures of genuinely working together to solve problems for the long haul – not short term or ideologically driven, naïve, or inappropriate fixes.
Claudia Leeb
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781474413244
- eISBN:
- 9781474445177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474413244.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter analyzes the post-war trial case of the physician Dr. Franz Niedermoser, who murdered patients in the psychiatric hospital in Klagenfurt, Austria during the NS regime. It traces the ways ...
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This chapter analyzes the post-war trial case of the physician Dr. Franz Niedermoser, who murdered patients in the psychiatric hospital in Klagenfurt, Austria during the NS regime. It traces the ways in which Dr. Niedermoser, who was initially hesitant to carry out the murders in the hospital, gradually became morally disengaged, in the course of which he lost the capacity to feel guilty and critically reflect upon his actions, which arrested his capacity for embodied reflective judgment. It explains those mechanisms that made him move from initial hesitation at committing crimes, to later feeling no guilt for having committed them. It shows that to get a person to judge that he or she ought to help carry out crimes, it is first necessary to eliminate any feeling that this is wrong. Less
This chapter analyzes the post-war trial case of the physician Dr. Franz Niedermoser, who murdered patients in the psychiatric hospital in Klagenfurt, Austria during the NS regime. It traces the ways in which Dr. Niedermoser, who was initially hesitant to carry out the murders in the hospital, gradually became morally disengaged, in the course of which he lost the capacity to feel guilty and critically reflect upon his actions, which arrested his capacity for embodied reflective judgment. It explains those mechanisms that made him move from initial hesitation at committing crimes, to later feeling no guilt for having committed them. It shows that to get a person to judge that he or she ought to help carry out crimes, it is first necessary to eliminate any feeling that this is wrong.
Michael J. Perez and Phia S. Salter
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190875190
- eISBN:
- 9780190875220
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190875190.003.0015
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter examines the cultural psychological processes that contribute to the delegitimization of Black victimhood in the United States. Drawing on a critical race psychology perspective that ...
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This chapter examines the cultural psychological processes that contribute to the delegitimization of Black victimhood in the United States. Drawing on a critical race psychology perspective that focuses on societal processes through which racism is maintained and reproduced, the authors examine the precariousness of claims of Black victimhood in the United States. The same mechanisms that maintain racist structures also delegitimize and deny Black victimhood. These processes include individualism and color-blind ideologies, victim blaming, the misrepresentation and dehumanization of Black victims, the assumption of White innocence and Whites’ moral disengagement from responsibility for racism, and claims of victimhood among Whites, especially in response to perceived threats of gains among minority groups. Thus, collective victimhood becomes precarious for Black Americans in that it is used as a tool of further oppression by others, instead of a source of support from third parties. The “benefits” of collective victimhood are not afforded to all groups.Less
This chapter examines the cultural psychological processes that contribute to the delegitimization of Black victimhood in the United States. Drawing on a critical race psychology perspective that focuses on societal processes through which racism is maintained and reproduced, the authors examine the precariousness of claims of Black victimhood in the United States. The same mechanisms that maintain racist structures also delegitimize and deny Black victimhood. These processes include individualism and color-blind ideologies, victim blaming, the misrepresentation and dehumanization of Black victims, the assumption of White innocence and Whites’ moral disengagement from responsibility for racism, and claims of victimhood among Whites, especially in response to perceived threats of gains among minority groups. Thus, collective victimhood becomes precarious for Black Americans in that it is used as a tool of further oppression by others, instead of a source of support from third parties. The “benefits” of collective victimhood are not afforded to all groups.