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Rationalizing Unethical Behavior

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Rationalizing Unethical Behavior
PHL/323
July 4, 2013
Philip Reynolds

Rationalizing Unethical Behavior
It is important as a professional to possess the ability to make ethical decisions. There is not a bright flashing arrow that points to the right choice. On the contrary, the lines a are often blurred and even the best choice can fall into a grey area. The following paragraphs will explore five common excuses people give for making unethical decisions and what a person can do to overcome the excuses so as not to breach their personal value system.
Individual life experiences, culture, family, and friendships all help a person to form their personal values and standards. Practical reasoning can be used to determine what is right and what is wrong weather in an individuals personal life or in a business setting. The first excuse for making a decision that is deemed unethical is the ignorance is bliss excuse.
Most people are raised to believe that it is wrong to tell a lie. Without having the foundation for good decision making it is easier to justify telling a lie. One may have the knowledge that it is wrong but may also believe that it is okay if the circumstance is appropriate. They use the excuse that they were not taught early on that it is inappropriate to lie no matter the circumstance.
A second excuse that many use it that it really is not that big of a deal. According to Vora (2012), People can have the attitude of “the world has changed it’s values so I must change mine too.” Vora also states that most people do not want to be labeled as boring or traditional and so they go with the flow of what everyone else is doing. In doing the right thing and not falling short by giving in Vora (2012) states “Society will hold you in respect for your commitment to social good and ethical behavior. Over the longer term, you’ll win their trust, which will in

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