In the article “Why Ethical People Make Unethical Choices,” Ron Carucci posits that individuals with strong ethical principles may succumb to unethical decision-making in certain circumstances. Carucci asserts that external pressures and conditions, rather than inherent moral character, often precipitate unethical choices.

Carucci explains why good people might act unethically. First, they might face unreal expectations from their organizations, which pressure them to compromise their values to get results. For example, employees might feel forced to lie to customers or cut corners to meet unrealistic sales targets set by their companies. Second, ethical people can make bad choices in unfamiliar situations that make them uncomfortable. When people face unfamiliar problems, they are likelier to make poor decisions and less likely to recognize moral issues.

Ethical people sometimes ignore moral issues that get in the way of their goals and interests. They might overlook the unethical nature of their actions because they are focused on achieving specific outcomes. Also, people often make unethical choices when their peers do because they want to fit in or follow authority figures. They may ignore their moral values to be part of a group.

The article suggests that ethical people may sometimes make unethical choices not due to a lack of morals but because of external pressures and influences leading to compromised decision-making and “motivated blindness.” However, the author contends that people can bolster their moral courage through exercises that cultivate awareness and critical thinking. We can establish circumstances that facilitate ethical decision-making by comprehending the reasons behind occasional ethical lapses in moral individuals.

Carucci, R. (2016, December 16). Why ethical people make unethical choices. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/12/why-ethical-people-make-unethical-choices