The Detrimental Effects of Oxytocin-Induced Conformity on Dishonesty in Competition

Aydogan, Gokhan; Jobst, Andrea; D'Ardenne, Kimberlee; Müller, Norbert und Kocher, Martin G. (2017): The Detrimental Effects of Oxytocin-Induced Conformity on Dishonesty in Competition. In: Psychological Science, Bd. 28, Nr. 6: S. 751-759

Abstract

Justifications may promote unethical behavior because they constitute a convenient loophole through which people can gain from immoral behavior and preserve a positive self-image at the same time. A justification that is widely used is rooted in conformity: Unethical choices become more permissible because one's peers are expected to make the same unethical choices. In the current study, we tested whether an exogenous alteration of conformity led to a lower inclination to adhere to a widely accepted norm (i.e., honesty) under the pressure of competition. We took advantage of the well-known effects of intranasally applied oxytocin on affiliation, in-group conformity, and in-group favoritism in humans. We found that conformity was enhanced by oxytocin, and this enhancement had a detrimental effect on honesty in a competitive environment but not in a noncompetitive environment. Our findings contribute to recent evidence showing that competition may lead to unethical behavior and erode moral values.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Volkswirtschaft ; Medizin
• Themengebiete: 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 330 Wirtschaft ; 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 0956-7976
• Allianz-/Nationallizenz: Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.
• Sprache: Englisch