Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Ethical fading is a psychological phenomenon where individuals gradually become less sensitive to the ethical implications of their decisions over time.

• This can lead to unethical behavior that would have once been unthinkable.
• It is a significant concern in organizational contexts, where individuals are often faced with complex decisions that involve balancing competing interests.

Body

Factors Contributing to Ethical Fading:

• Pressure to Perform: When individuals are under intense pressure to achieve specific goals or meet deadlines, they may be more likely to overlook ethical considerations.
  • For example, in the Satyam Computers scandal, pressure to maintain a high growth rate led to fraudulent accounting practices.
• Groupthink: When individuals within an organization are strongly influenced by the opinions of their peers, they may be less likely to question unethical behavior.
  • The Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society scam in Mumbai is an example of groupthink leading to corruption and misuse of public funds.
• Desensitization: Exposure to unethical behavior over time can lead to desensitization, making it easier to justify or ignore such actions.
  • The Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, where admissions to medical colleges were manipulated through bribery, is a case in point.
• Organizational Culture: A toxic organizational culture that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability can create an environment where unethical behavior is tolerated or even rewarded.
• Lack of Recognition: A lack of recognition in a professional setting can contribute to ethical fading.
  • When hardworking employees are not rewarded or acknowledged, they may become disillusioned and less likely to prioritize ethical considerations.

Safeguards for Public Institutions:

• Ethical Leadership: Strong ethical leadership is essential to setting the tone for an organization.
  • Leaders should consistently demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior, and hold others accountable for their actions.
• Ethical Training: Regular ethical training programs can help employees recognize ethical dilemmas, develop critical thinking skills, and understand the consequences of unethical behavior.
• Ethical Reporting Mechanisms: Organizations should have clear and accessible mechanisms for employees to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.
• Transparency and Accountability: Public institutions should be transparent in their operations and accountable to the public.
  • This includes regular audits, disclosure of financial information, and mechanisms for public scrutiny.
  • The Right to Information Act in India has empowered citizens to access information about government activities and hold officials accountable.
• Ethical Codes and Policies: Organizations should develop and implement ethical codes and policies that clearly outline expected standards of behavior.
  • These codes should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing circumstances.

Conclusion

Ethical fading is a pervasive challenge in organizations, but it is not insurmountable. By fostering a strong ethical culture, providing comprehensive training, and implementing robust safeguards, public institutions can mitigate the risks associated with this phenomenon.