The social determinants of unethical behavior

Marie Claire Villeval

Chapter 5 in Research Handbook on Unethical Behavior, 2026, pp 64-82 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This review explores the social determinants of unethical behavior through a review of the recent experimental literature. It examines how decision-making environments, encompassing institutional frameworks, organizational structures, incentive schemes, peer influences, and social norms, affect unethical behaviors such as lying, corruption, tax evasion, or asset destruction. Key areas include the cultural roots of unethical behavior, the influence of markets and organizational cultures on moral values, the impact of competitive and cooperative incentive schemes, and the role of peer effects and social norms, social image, and guilt. By analyzing the interaction between social determinants and individual behavior, the chapter highlights the complex dynamics that lead to unethical actions and suggests ways to harness these determinants to foster ethical conduct. The chapter concludes on interventions aimed at promoting ethical behavior, such as moral appeals and norm nudges.

Keywords: Unethical behavior; Dishonesty; Moral values; Social norms; Experiments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035307265
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