Investors, customers and employees increasingly expect organizations to take responsibility for the social impact of their activities. This book applies theory and research on moral psychology and social identity, to offer a new perspective on organizational social responsibility and business ethics. The authors use their unique approach to highlight recurring moral challenges in organizational behavior, such as leadership, work motivation, diversity, organizational change and stakeholder relations. Their analysis explains that people are reluctant to acknowledge and confront moral flaws in their workplace behavior, because this constitutes a source of identity threat. Common strategies to cope with this threat invite justifications and symbolic actions – and prevent moral improvement. Each chapter draws together a wealth of research findings and organizational cases. These not only identify and clarify common moral pitfalls, but also show ways to enhance the likelihood that organizations acquire the knowledge, willingness and ability to build an ethical work climate.
Author(s): Naomi Ellemers, Dick de Gilder
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 351
City: Cham
Acknowledgments
Contents
List of Figures
Chapter 1: Moral Behavior in Organizations
1.1 Key Issues: We All Want to Be Moral
1.1.1 Immoral Behavior Galore
1.1.2 The Paradox of Morality
1.1.3 The Search for a Quick Fix
1.2 Analysis: It Is Not as Easy as It Seems to Do What Is Morally Right
1.2.1 Two-Faced Individuals and Organizations
1.2.2 Do We Even Agree on What Is Moral?
1.2.3 Moral Disengagement as a Way Out
1.3 Solutions: Influencing Moral Behavior in Organizations
1.3.1 Limits of the Individual Difference Approach
1.3.2 Limits of the Economic Approach
1.3.3 Limits of the Legal Approach
1.4 Conclusion: The Three Quick Fixes Revisited
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 2: Social Identity at Work
2.1 Key Issues: The Power of Social Identities
2.1.1 The Organizations People Work for Also Define Who they Are
2.1.2 The Moral Hazards of Aligning People Towards Shared Goals
2.1.3 Groups Impact on Individual Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
2.2 Analysis: Key Concerns People Have in the Workplace
2.2.1 Where Do I Belong?
2.2.2 How Should I Behave?
2.2.3 Can I Be Proud of Myself?
2.3 Solutions: Managing Moral Hazards in Organizations
2.3.1 (Re)defining the Context
2.3.2 Emphasizing Good Intentions
2.3.3 Improving the Situation
2.4 Conclusion: Red Flags to Look Out for
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 3: Moral Leadership
3.1 Key Issues: The Tone at the Top
3.1.1 Heroes or Villains?
3.1.2 Championing High Performance
3.1.3 Underestimating the Power of Situations
3.2 Analysis: Moral Hazards of Setting Leaders Apart
3.2.1 The Risk of the Pedestal
3.2.2 Having Control Over Others
3.2.3 Being Lonely at the Top
3.3 Solutions: Fostering Moral Leadership
3.3.1 Engaging Support Through Shared Identity
3.3.2 Earning Loyalty by Extending Trust
3.3.3 Balancing Opportunities with Responsibilities
3.4 Conclusion: Building a Shared Identity
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 4: Motivating Moral Choices
4.1 Key Issues: Morality and Motivation
4.1.1 Money, Money, Money: It’s a Rich Man’s World
4.1.2 Living in a Bubble: Protecting One’s Distinct Identity
4.1.3 Targets as Incentives: Irresistible Temptations
4.2 Analysis: The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Workplace Conduct
4.2.1 Highlighting Individual Results Invites Moral Neglect
4.2.2 Injustice Conveys Moral Exclusion
4.2.3 Incivility Breeds Non-compliance
4.3 Solutions: Getting People to Do the Right Thing
4.3.1 Affirming Inclusion and Respect
4.3.2 Confronting Misbehavior
4.3.3 Taking Pride in Shared Moral Values
4.4 Conclusion: Working Towards a Common Purpose
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 5: Diversity and Inclusion
5.1 Reconciling Fairness and Excellence
5.1.1 Defining Professional Standards
5.1.2 Managing Different Skills and Perspectives
5.1.3 Good Intentions Are Not Enough
5.2 Analysis: Fitting in or Opting Out
5.2.1 Does Everyone Have Equal Returns on Investment?
5.2.2 Is It About What You Do or Where You Come From?
5.2.3 Should You Hide Who You Are at Work?
5.3 Solutions: Striving for Acceptance and Belonging
5.3.1 Fair Treatment Despite Inequality
5.3.2 Allowing for Different Ways of Belonging
5.3.3 Acknowledging the Costs and Benefits of Diversity
5.4 Conclusion: Beyond Numbers
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 6: The Human Factor in Organizational Change
6.1 Key Issues: Stagnation Means Decline?
6.1.1 Different Generations of Workers Have Similar Needs
6.1.2 New Solutions Have Unanticipated Outcomes
6.1.3 The Human Factor Is Key to Successful Adaptation
6.2 Analysis: The Moral Hazards of Workplace Disruptions
6.2.1 Moral Exclusion in Employment Relations
6.2.2 Moral Justification in Celebrating Creativity
6.2.3 Moral Neglect of Prioritizing Novelty
6.3 Solutions: Mutual Trust for Responsible Adaptation
6.3.1 Transforming Through Mergers and Acquisitions
6.3.2 Benefiting from Newcomers and Old Hands
6.3.3 Reconciling Continuity and Change
6.4 Conclusion: Reliability Anchors Innovation
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 7: Relating to Stakeholders
7.1 Key Issues: Stakeholder Management
7.1.1 People, Planet, Profit: What Is the Purpose?
7.1.2 Attracting Employees, Customers, and Investors
7.1.3 Securing the ‘License to Operate’
7.2 Analysis: Addressing Reputational Concerns
7.2.1 What You Say and Who You Are
7.2.2 Apologies for Organizational Failure
7.2.3 Stakeholder Initiatives as Greenwashing
7.3 Solutions: Taking Social Responsibility
7.3.1 Philanthropy as ‘Costly Commitment’
7.3.2 Organizations as Families
7.3.3 Social Benefit Corporations
7.4 Conclusion: An Integrated Approach
Recommended Reading
References
Chapter 8: The Power of Ethical Climates
8.1 Key Issues: Securing Compliance
8.1.1 Detecting and Preventing Fraud
8.1.2 Performance Pressures
8.1.3 Rules and Sanctions
8.2 Analysis: Dealing with Misbehavior
8.2.1 Loyalty and Care as Moral Justifications
8.2.2 Scapegoating for Moral Cleansing
8.2.3 Moral Exclusion of Whistleblowers
8.3 Solutions: The Power of Ethical Climates
8.3.1 Overcoming Shame and Guilt
8.3.2 Being Open to Learning From Errors
8.3.3 Taking Pride in Doing What’s Right
8.4 Conclusion: Integrating Moral Concerns
Recommended Reading
References
Index
