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

Gokhan Aydogan, Andrea Jobst, Kimberlee D'Ardenne, Norbert Müller and Martin Kocher

Munich Reprints in Economics from University of Munich, Department of Economics

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.

Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

Published in Psychological Science 6 28(2017): pp. 751-759

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