title: The slippery slope: how small ethical transgressions pave the way for larger future transgressions.
abstract: Many recent corporate scandals have been described as resulting from a slippery slope in which a series of small infractions gradually increased over time (e.g., McLean & Elkind, 2003). However, behavioral ethics research has rarely considered how unethical behavior unfolds over time. In this study, we draw on theories of self-regulation to examine whether individuals engage in a slippery slope of increasingly unethical behavior. First, we extend Bandura's (1991, 1999) social-cognitive theory by demonstrating how the mechanism of moral disengagement can reduce ethicality over a series of gradually increasing indiscretions. Second, we draw from recent research connecting regulatory focus theory and behavioral ethics (Gino & Margolis, 2011) to demonstrate that inducing a prevention focus moderates this mediated relationship by reducing one's propensity to slide down the slippery slope. We find support for the developed model across 4 multiround studies.
authors.affiliation: Michael G. Foster School of Business, University of Washington.
authors.forename: David T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Welsh
authors.affiliation: Eller College of Management, University of Arizona.
authors.forename: Lisa D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Ordóñez
authors.affiliation: Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: Deirdre G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.affiliation: Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Christian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009014:Morals; D009042:Motivation; D000068356:Self-Control; D012919:Social Behavior; D055815:Young Adult