Slippery slopes and misconduct
Subtitle: the effect of gradual degradation on the failure to notice unethical behavior
By: Francesca Gino, Max H. Bazerman
Series: Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 06-007; Working paper (Harvard Business School. Division of Research) -- 06-007
Publisher: Division of Research, Harvard Business School
Published: 2005
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 19
Description: The present laboratory study shows that people are more likely to act unethically by accepting the incorrect assessments of others when the behavior of others erodes slowly rather than in one abrupt shift. Each of two subjects had to either accept or reject multiple estimates about the amount of money contained in a jar. Estimates varied round by round. The estimates of the other party moved in a self-serving direction either gradually or abruptly. The results suggest that people are less likely to notice and react to the unethical behavior of others if the unethical behavior develops gradually over time than if the unethical behavior occurs abruptly.
Notes: "Draft : August 13, 2005"--Added t.p.

Includes bibliographical references.