The text identifies different ways of dealing with the four rationalizations that are commonly used to justify unethical behaviour. Which one of the following courses of action is not a recommended way for dealing with at least one of the four rationalizations?

A) When in doubt about a decision to be made or an action to be taken, don't do it.
B) If other people and other companies are doing it, you are justified in doing it too.
C) Look beyond the short-term results to address longer-term implications.
D) Make sure everyone knows that wrongdoing will be punished whenever it is discovered.
E) Organizational loyalty should not stand above the law and social morality.

Question

The text identifies different ways of dealing with the four rationalizations that are commonly used to justify unethical behaviour. Which one of the following courses of action is not a recommended way for dealing with at least one of the four rationalizations?

A) When in doubt about a decision to be made or an action to be taken, don't do it.
B) If other people and other companies are doing it, you are justified in doing it too.
C) Look beyond the short-term results to address longer-term implications.
D) Make sure everyone knows that wrongdoing will be punished whenever it is discovered.
E) Organizational loyalty should not stand above the law and social morality.

David Edwards · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  The recommended ways of dealing with the four rationalizations are: A) exercising personal responsibility, B) reframing the situation, C) considering the long-term consequences, and D) strengthening organizational culture. Option B, which suggests that if other people are doing it, it's justified, is not a recommended course of action. It is known as the everybody does it rationalization and should be avoided.

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