Blind Spots: Why We Fail To Do What's Right And... 〈UPDATED • BREAKDOWN〉

The authors suggest that to improve ethical outcomes, we shouldn't just "try harder." Instead, we need to:

Before a decision, our "should" self (rational and ethical) is in charge. However, at the moment of the decision, the "want" self (impulsive and self-interested) takes over. Afterwards, we use "ethical fading" to justify our actions and maintain our positive self-image. Blind Spots: Why We Fail to Do What's Right and...

Recognize that you will be tempted in the moment and set "pre-commitment" strategies. The authors suggest that to improve ethical outcomes,

Instead of assuming we are perfectly ethical, we should acknowledge our biases so we can actively guard against them. Recognize that you will be tempted in the

Just as we have limits on our cognitive abilities (bounded rationality), we have psychological limits that prevent us from seeing the ethical dimensions of our choices.

This book, by Max H. Bazerman and Ann E. Tenbrunsel , explores the gap between how we think we will behave in ethical situations and how we actually behave when the pressure is on.