Incrementalism | Concepts Unwrapped

Summary

The video script explores the concept of 'incrementalism' in behavioral ethics, illustrating how individuals can gradually lose their ethical footing through small, seemingly insignificant actions. Using examples like the WorldCom fraud and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, it shows how the 'slippery slope' can lead from minor transgressions to major ethical breaches. The 'boiling frog syndrome' analogy emphasizes the unconscious lowering of ethical standards over time. The script warns of the dangers of normalizing unethical behavior and the importance of self-reflection and integrity in preventing this decline.

Takeaways

• 🧗 People often believe they have strong moral character and will make good choices when faced with moral dilemmas.
• 🌊 Incrementalism, or the 'slippery slope,' is a gradual process where individuals slowly compromise their ethics without realizing it.
• 🍫 The analogy of eating a whole bag of Hershey's Kisses illustrates how small ethical compromises can lead to larger ones.
• 🔍 The Abu Ghraib prison example shows how people can become desensitized to unethical behavior over time.
• 🐸 'Boiling frog syndrome' is a metaphor for how people can adapt to unethical conditions if changes occur gradually.
• 👮‍♀️ Even in roles with clear ethical guidelines, like a building monitor, people may start to overlook their responsibilities.
• 🤔 People often don't realize they are engaging in unethical behavior until it's pointed out to them.
• 🏢 In the workplace, small transgressions can escalate to more serious ones if not checked.
• 💼 Multi-million dollar frauds can start with small, seemingly insignificant acts of dishonesty.
• 🔄 The slippery slope is a constant societal threat, emphasizing the importance of integrity and vigilance.
• 🛑 Regular reflection on actions and their ethical implications is crucial to prevent sliding down the slippery slope.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'incrementalism' as discussed in the script?

Incrementalism is a behavioral ethics concept where unethical behavior starts small and gradually escalates over time, often without the individual realizing the moral implications of their actions.

How does the script illustrate the idea of a 'slippery slope'?

The script uses the analogy of eating a bag of Hershey's Kisses and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal to illustrate how small transgressions can lead to more significant ethical breaches over time.

What is the 'boiling frog syndrome' mentioned in the script?

The 'boiling frog syndrome' is a metaphor that describes how people can become desensitized to unethical situations if they are exposed to them gradually, similar to a frog slowly being boiled in water without noticing the increasing heat.

Why do people often fail to recognize their own unethical behavior according to the script?

People often fail to recognize their own unethical behavior because it becomes normalized over time, and they unconsciously lower their ethical standards through small, incremental changes.

What role does the environment play in the development of unethical behavior as discussed in the script?

The environment can significantly influence the development of unethical behavior by creating a culture where minor transgressions are tolerated, leading to a slippery slope towards more significant ethical violations.

How does the script relate the concept of incrementalism to large-scale corporate scandals?

The script relates incrementalism to large-scale corporate scandals by showing how multi-million dollar frauds often start with small, seemingly insignificant actions that escalate over time.

What is the significance of the statement 'You did it once, it smelled bad. You did it again, it didn't smell bad' in the context of the script?

This statement highlights the desensitization process where an action that initially felt wrong becomes acceptable after being repeated, illustrating the power of incrementalism in ethical decision-making.

How does the script suggest individuals can prevent falling into the trap of incrementalism?

The script suggests that individuals should stop before every action and think about its ethical implications, upholding values of integrity and being vigilant against the slippery slope.

What is the role of self-awareness in avoiding unethical behavior as per the script?

Self-awareness plays a crucial role in avoiding unethical behavior by enabling individuals to recognize and challenge their own actions and the environment that may lead to incremental ethical decline.

How does the script use the example of a building monitor to illustrate the concept of incrementalism?

The script uses the example of a building monitor who initially performed their duties diligently but eventually stopped doing regular security checks, showing how responsibilities can be neglected incrementally over time.