Ethics and Motivation in Decision Making

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Questions and Answers

What does a 'self-control' credit card allow individuals to do?

Only spend money on necessities

Limit spending in specific categories like food and clothing (correct)

Link multiple credit cards for better management

Set unlimited spending in all categories

Which of the following is NOT considered ethically proactive?

Engaging in regular ethics training

Participating in community service projects

Monitoring employee behavior for compliance issues

Reading and being aware of compliance policies through HR (correct)

According to Milton Friedman, what is his stance on corporate social responsibility?

It is essential for consumer trust

It enhances long-term profitability

It leads to improved employee morale

It is a form of socialism (correct)

What is Irving Kristol's perspective on capitalism's effect on individuals?

It does not necessarily improve everyone's conditions Signup and view all the answers

What effect does self-engagement have on people's ethical behavior?

It makes people reflect their moral self-image and resist temptation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common ethical blindspot?

Self-serving bias that creates a positive self-image. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'bounded ethicality'?

The idea that ethical decisions are often limited by cognitive biases. Signup and view all the answers

According to the study, what environment reduces the likelihood of cheating?

A well-lit room with others present. Signup and view all the answers

What is one strategy to increase ethical behavior in organizations?

Fostering a culture of open communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dopamine in the context discussed?

To fuel curiosity and the pursuit of information. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of incrementalism refer to in ethical behavior?

Gradually compromising ethical standards over time. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding in Dan Ariely's experiment on due dates for papers?

Specific due dates led to better compliance and grades. Signup and view all the answers

How do givers typically behave in their relationships with others?

They help others selflessly without expecting anything in return. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk associated with being a giver?

They can become exploited or burn out. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the behavior of takers?

They leverage relationships to achieve personal interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of matchers in their relationships?

They believe in maintaining a balance between giving and receiving. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside for matchers in their approach to relationships?

They may miss opportunities for deeper, trust-based connections. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes thoughtful and strategic givers in terms of success?

They help others in ways that create value for everyone involved. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of double effect allow for in moral decision-making?

Performing an action that produces both good and bad effects under certain conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the common good, what is it defined as?

The sum total of conditions that allow for flourishing of individuals and the whole community. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of subsidiarity primarily concerned with?

Respecting people’s freedom and ensuring decisions are made at the most local level possible. Signup and view all the answers

How does solidarity contribute to social dynamics?

It fosters interdependence and community belonging. Signup and view all the answers

What role do givers typically play in professional relationships?

They create value through collaboration and mutual support. Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary condition for an action to be justified under the principle of double effect?

There must be a severe reason for justifying the bad effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a CEO according to shareholder theory?

Maximizing profits for shareholders Signup and view all the answers

What defines prudence as a virtue?

Seeking truth to act rightly Signup and view all the answers

Which deficiency is associated with the virtue of fortitude?

Cowardice Signup and view all the answers

How are justice and temperance related according to the cardinal virtues?

Both balance desires and actions Signup and view all the answers

What does the logic of gratuitousness emphasize in the context of giving?

I give because I want to. Signup and view all the answers

Why do pre-commitment devices help individuals align their actions with their goals?

They create binding commitments to resist temptation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary argument against shareholder theory?

Stakeholder theory emphasizes community welfare Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a key takeaway of solidarity according to Pope Benedict XVI?

Solidarity is seen as a virtue and involves community participation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following virtues is associated with moderation?

Temperance Signup and view all the answers

Which deficiency corresponds with carelessness?

Prudence Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the thirst for power affect the structures within society according to the discussion?

It leads to structures of sin and corruption. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Common Good View?

Social value derived from community existence Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of the logic of duty in terms of giving?

Giving as a moral obligation. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered an excess of prudence?

Overcautiousness Signup and view all the answers

What does curiosity being described as a vice imply?

Curiosity can lead to undesirable outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What obstacle to development is mentioned beyond economic factors?

Social and ethical considerations. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for influential individuals to share responsibility for the weaker members of society?

To create a more equitable community. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the logic of exchange?

Giving in order to receive something in return. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cheating and Ethical Behavior

People cheat less in well-lit, public settings.
Visual cues, like eyes on honor jars, increase honesty.
People mimic the ethical standards of their role models. Poor ethical role models lead to poor ethical behavior.
Self-awareness of ethical actions is key. People want to be ethical, but often don't consider everyday actions.
Self-engagement motivates ethical behavior, resisting unethical temptation. Examples of this include signing names to mileage reimbursements.
This study shows how external cues and internal self-awareness affect ethical decision-making.

Dopamine and Motivation

Dopamine drives wanting, desiring, seeking and searching. It fuels curiosity about ideas and information.
Dopamine's influence extends beyond physical needs; it motivates exploration of abstract concepts.
Novelty is a significant motivator, linked with the dopamine response.

Ethical Blindspots

Ethical blindspots arise from:
- Believing oneself ethical, thus justifying unethical actions.
- Unconscious biases
- Conflicts of interest
Common blindspots include:
- Overconfidence in personal ethics
- Failure to recognize ethical dimensions of situations
- Self-serving bias, viewing oneself positively, even when actions are not.
- Incrementalism - gradually compromising ethical standards over time.

Behavioral Ethics

Behavioral ethics studies how people actually behave ethically, versus how they should.
It's a descriptive, not a normative, approach.
A key concept is "bounded ethicality" - recognizing that ethical limitations are more common than perfect ethical behavior.

Strategies to Increase Ethics

Visibility and self-engagement are key components in reinforcing ethical behavior.
Reinforcement via enforcement and deterrence is not effective and low-cost to improve ethics.
Building a culture of time pressure and efficiency is not a strategy to improve ethical standards (opposite).

The "Big Question" of Ethical Action

The central question is Why should we always act ethically?
Possible answers include ethical harmony and the significantly high cost of unethical business practices.

Experiment on Due Dates

Students with staggered deadlines set by the professor received the best grades.
Students setting their own deadlines performed second best.
Students with a single final deadline performed the worst.

Self-Control Credit Cards

A self-control credit card limits spending in different categories.
Banks did not widely adopt this concept.

Ethical Proactiveness

Awareness of internal compliance policies is not considered a proactive approach to ethics.

Milton Friedman believed the concept of corporate social responsibility is socialist.
Irving Kristol believed Capitalism does not always lead to bettering the well-being of everyone.

Additional Concepts

Ethical Fading: Decisions are made quickly without considering the ethical consequences. Personal "should self" (rational) fades in favor of desires from the "want self."
Forecasting Errors: Predictions about future ethical behavior differ from actual actions.
Three "C's" of Business: Contribute to human dignity/flourishing, Cooperate with solidarity, and Compete in subsidiarity.
Servant Leadership: A leadership style that prioritizes serving others and building relationships.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between ethical behavior, motivation, and external influences such as environmental cues and role models. This quiz delves into how self-awareness and dopamine play crucial roles in driving ethical decision-making and awareness of ethical blindspots.