B. Factors Influencing Unethical Behaviour

Part 1:

Ethical Compliance & Nonfeasance

Every vocational rehabilitation professional is bound by a Code of Ethics. However, ethical complaints arise yearly, often representing only a fraction of unethical actions. Many unethical acts stem from inaction (nonfeasance) rather than intentional wrongdoing. Research suggests that various factors influence ethical lapses.

Self-Image & Ethical Behaviour

Most individuals perceive themselves as ethical and do not plan to act unethically. Studies indicate that self-image plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making. A key distinction is between those who view themselves as:

• Heteronomous: Believe they are shaped by external forces and lack free will.

• Autonomous: Believe they have free will and are responsible for their actions.

Research Findings:

• Participants were given a math test where answers appeared due to a supposed software glitch.

• Some were primed with an article stating free will is an illusion.

• Those exposed to this idea were 45% more likely to cheat than those who weren’t.

When individuals view themselves as lacking control over their actions, they are more susceptible to unethical behavior. Those who see themselves as responsible are less likely to cheat or steal.

Application to Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals

VRPs working in bureaucratic systems with strict regulations may feel they lack autonomy. If they view themselves as mere functionaries rather than independent professionals, they may justify unethical behavior by blaming external pressures (e.g., declining referrals, payer demands, complex laws). Ethical conduct starts with an autonomous self-image, resisting unethical demands despite external constraints.

Quiz: Factors Influencing Unethical Behaviour

1. What is an example of nonfeasance in unethical behavior? a) Lying to a client
   b) Ignoring an ethical obligation
   c) Stealing money
   d) Fabricating a report

2. What does research suggest about people who view free will as an illusion? a) They are more likely to cheat
   b) They are less likely to cheat
   c) They are unaffected by the idea
   d) They become more ethical

3. How much more likely were individuals to cheat when primed to believe free will is an illusion? a) 25%
   b) 45%
   c) 60%
   d) 30%

4. What is the difference between heteronomous and autonomous individuals? a) Heteronomous individuals believe they have free will; autonomous individuals do not
   b) Autonomous individuals believe they have free will; heteronomous individuals do not
   c) There is no difference
   d) Both terms refer to ethical violations

5. How does a vocational rehabilitation professional’s self-image impact their ethical decisions? a) If they feel powerless, they are more likely to commit unethical acts
   b) It has no impact
   c) Feeling powerless makes them more ethical
   d) Self-image only matters in corporate environments

Answer Key:

1. b

2. a

3. b

4. b

5. a

PART 2:

Ethical Compliance & Nonfeasance

Every vocational rehabilitation professional is bound by a Code of Ethics. However, ethical complaints arise yearly, often representing only a fraction of unethical actions. Many unethical acts stem from inaction (nonfeasance) rather than intentional wrongdoing. Research suggests that various factors influence ethical lapses.

Self-Image & Ethical Behaviour

Most individuals perceive themselves as ethical and do not plan to act unethically. Studies indicate that self-image plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making. A key distinction is between those who view themselves as:

• Heteronomous: Believe they are shaped by external forces and lack free will.

• Autonomous: Believe they have free will and are responsible for their actions.

Research Findings:

• Participants were given a math test where answers appeared due to a supposed software glitch.

• Some were primed with an article stating free will is an illusion.

• Those exposed to this idea were 45% more likely to cheat than those who weren’t.

When individuals view themselves as lacking control over their actions, they are more susceptible to unethical behavior. Those who see themselves as responsible are less likely to cheat or steal.

Personal Biases & Ethical Decision-Making

Personal biases affect ethical decisions, often leading individuals to overestimate their own moral standing. Research shows most people believe they are above average in intelligence, honesty, and ethical behavior. This "dodo effect" makes people judge others more harshly while excusing their own actions. Recognizing biases is crucial to making objective ethical decisions.

Euphemisms & Ethical Distortions

Euphemisms downplay unethical behavior by making it seem normal or acceptable. For example:

• Workplace bullying is reframed as "joking around."

• Misleading billing practices are disguised as "staff consultation."

• Bribery is labeled as "oiling the wheels."

Using euphemisms distances individuals from the moral implications of their actions, making unethical behavior easier to justify.

Time Pressure & Ethical Blindness

Time constraints can lead to moral blindness. Research with theology students found that when under time pressure, 90% ignored a man in need, even though they were preparing to preach about helping others. In vocational rehabilitation, heavy workloads and deadlines can push professionals to take shortcuts, neglect clients, or make unethical decisions due to efficiency pressures.

Quiz: Factors Influencing Unethical Behaviour

1. What is an example of nonfeasance in unethical behavior? a) Lying to a client
   b) Ignoring an ethical obligation
   c) Stealing money
   d) Fabricating a report

2. What does research suggest about people who view free will as an illusion? a) They are more likely to cheat
   b) They are less likely to cheat
   c) They are unaffected by the idea
   d) They become more ethical

3. How much more likely were individuals to cheat when primed to believe free will is an illusion? a) 25%
   b) 45%
   c) 60%
   d) 30%

4. What is the "dodo effect" in personal bias? a) A tendency to underestimate others
   b) A belief that everyone is equally ethical
   c) Overestimating one's abilities and morality
   d) A cognitive bias that promotes fairness

5. How do euphemisms contribute to unethical behavior? a) They exaggerate the impact of actions
   b) They remove the ethical stigma from harmful acts
   c) They make people more ethical
   d) They clarify ethical dilemmas

6. In the time pressure experiment with theology students, what percentage helped the man when rushed? a) 90%
   b) 63%
   c) 45%
   d) 10%

7. How can time pressure affect vocational rehabilitation professionals? a) It has no impact
   b) It encourages more thoughtful decision-making
   c) It can lead to shortcuts and ethical lapses
   d) It makes them more empathetic

Answer Key:

1. b

2. a

3. b

4. c

5. b

6. d

7. c

PART 3

Summary:

This material discusses cognitive dissonance and its role in justifying unethical behaviors, as well as how factors like fatigue and hunger can affect moral decision-making.

• Cognitive Dissonance: This is the discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs or actions. It occurs when a person’s behavior contradicts their beliefs, and they justify the behavior to reduce discomfort. An example is rationalizing unethical actions, like having a relationship with a client, by changing beliefs to fit the behavior. Classic studies show how rationalizations can lead to moral blindness and allow further unethical actions.

• Rationalization Techniques: These include denying responsibility, minimizing harm, blaming the victim, condemning those who judge, and appealing to loyalty. More rationalizations involve using a “balance scale,” pointing to others’ behavior, or downplaying the seriousness of actions. Cognitive dissonance helps people make sense of unethical decisions.

• The Impact of Fatigue and Hunger on Moral Decisions: Research shows that tired or hungry individuals are more likely to make unethical choices. Fatigue impairs self-control and leads to impulsive or emotional decisions. Similarly, low blood sugar affects self-control, making people more prone to unethical behavior.

• Practical Examples: The text presents examples where vocational rehabilitation professionals (VRPs) might make unethical decisions due to cognitive dissonance, fatigue, or hunger. VRPs may justify unethical actions, such as a relationship with a client, through rationalizations. Lack of sleep and food can cause fatigue, impair decision-making, and affect moral reasoning, leading to poor decisions that can impact their professional integrity and the lives of clients.

Quiz:

1. What is cognitive dissonance?

   • A. The inability to make decisions

   • B. The discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors

   • C. The process of making moral decisions

   • D. The feeling of guilt after unethical behavior

2. Which of the following is an example of rationalization?

   • A. Accepting responsibility for unethical behavior

   • B. Justifying unethical actions by minimizing harm

   • C. Reporting unethical behavior to authorities

   • D. Feeling guilty after an unethical decision

3. How does fatigue affect ethical decision-making?

   • A. It improves self-control and moral judgment

   • B. It causes faster decision-making with better moral outcomes

   • C. It leads to slower moral decision-making and more impulsive choices

   • D. It has no impact on ethical decision-making

4. What impact does hunger have on self-control and ethical behavior?

   • A. Hunger increases self-control and moral decision-making

   • B. Hunger has no impact on decision-making

   • C. Hunger reduces self-control and increases unethical behavior

   • D. Hunger makes individuals more ethical

5. What was the result of Festinger and Carlsmith’s experiment with the peg-turning task?

   • A. Participants who received more money reported the task as more interesting

   • B. Participants who received less money rationalized the task as more interesting

   • C. All participants found the task equally boring

   • D. Participants with no external justification lied less than those with an external justification

6. What is a common rationalization technique in unethical behavior?

   • A. Denying responsibility

   • B. Always telling the truth

   • C. Reporting unethical actions immediately

   • D. Accepting guilt for one's actions

7. What is a common impact of low blood sugar on decision-making?

   • A. It improves ethical decision-making

   • B. It makes moral decisions easier

   • C. It impairs self-control and leads to unethical decisions

   • D. It has no impact on decision-making

Answer Key:

1. B - Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

2. B - Justifying unethical actions by minimizing harm is an example of rationalization.

3. C - Fatigue leads to slower moral decision-making and more impulsive choices.

4. C - Hunger reduces self-control and increases unethical behavior.

5. B - Participants who received less money rationalized the task as more interesting.

6. A - Denying responsibility is a common rationalization technique.

7. C - Low blood sugar impairs self-control and leads to unethical decisions.