Being ethical or unethical

Self-perception is often biased Managers are often biased without knowing Dont always go for something YOU think is right. Article explores four related sources of unintentional unethical decision making Implicit forms of prejudice Bias that favors ones own group Conflict Of Interest Tendency to over claim credit.

(Contd)
Resultantly, these flawed judgments are ethically problematic. Undermine managers fundamental work to: Recruit and retain superior talent. Boost the performance of individuals and teams. Collaborate effectively with partners. For example, A disabled person is stereotypically looked down upon.

Sources of unintentional unethical decision-making

(1) IMPLICIT PREJUDICE

Bias that emerges from unconscious beliefs Rooted in the fundamental mechanics of thought. Mental associations may not be true Biases can be costly. They may lead to wrong decisions.

Examples
Example: Christians in our society are stereotypically are considered to be not worthy of upper class jobs.
Women are considered mentally weak and perceived to be unable to handle stress

(2) IN-GROUP FAVORITISM

Bias that favors your group People tend to do more favors for those they know. For example: People of same social class, nationality, religion, race, employer etc.

Examples:
The LUMS OLYMPIAD Team selection criteria by SRC Bahria University.
Banks in America bluntly discriminate between black and white loan applicants even though they are equally qualified.

Over claiming Credit

Studies show that majority of People consider themselves above others They tend to overestimate their contributions People think only of their own contributions, the less fairly they judge others with whom they work.

 Over claiming credit can destabilized alliance. Unconscious over claiming can reduce the performance and longevity of groups within organizations. Some times over claiming causes resentment, it might translate into reduced commitment and performance. At worst, employee may leave the organization that, if he would feel that no one appreciates his contributions in the organization.

Trying Harder Isnt Enough

Must learn and understand own biases Collect data

Shape your environment

Gather data and analyze them. Observe results to determine whether you are biased. By working with different groups of people and understanding the extent of biases Think from various viewpoints Think from the viewpoints of all the individuals who are impacted

Broaden your decision making

The Vigilant Manager

Managers who aspire to be ethical must challenge the assumption that they are always unbiased and acknowledge that vigilance, even more than good intention, is a defining characteristic of an ethical manager Only those who understand their own potential for unethical behavior can become the ethical decision makers that they aspire to be.