
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.
Item Type: | Journal article |
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Faculties: | Economics Medicine |
Subjects: | 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health |
URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:19-epub-49871-0 |
ISSN: | 0956-7976 |
Alliance/National Licence: | This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively. |
Language: | English |
Item ID: | 49871 |
Date Deposited: | 14. Jun 2018, 09:42 |
Last Modified: | 04. Nov 2020, 13:27 |