The Ethical Executive: Becoming Aware of the Root Causes of Unethical Behavior: 45 Psychological Traps that Every One of Us Falls Prey To

by Robert Hoyk, Paul Hersey

In this book, Hoyk and Hersey describe 45 "unethical traps" into which any one of us can fall. These traps, they say, can erupt in any organizational environment. Some of these traps distort our perception of right and wrong―so we actually believe our unethical behavior is right. Many of them are psychological in nature, and if we are not aware of them they are like illusions―webs of deception. In the authors' analysis, these traps significantly contributed to the large-scale corporate disasters we witnessed in recent years. Hoyk and Hersey take account of these realities and offer a "real-world" method that will predict, preclude, and, if necessary, "get us out of" these traps. Given the increased scrutiny under which all executives and mangers operate today, this book is a 'must read' for anyone who is charged with achieving an organization's mission―whether that mission is increasing profit, serving the common good, or both.

Genres: Leadership, Business, Philosophy

153 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2008

Reviews

[Ligia Bonetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to be read by both teenagers and adults. It’s a great reminder of the many traps life will put in front of you at some point in your journey. Traps that will test your integrity, your ethics, your moral beliefs and your sense for humanity. Being conscious of these traps and many more will definitely help you be as ethical as you wish to be. It fulfilled my expectations.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The publisher sent me a copy of this at the start of the semester. I was pretty curious. It was an interesting read, but not the right fit for the classroom.

[Sally May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this as a course requirement for class.. was pretty interesting

[Daisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read it for school but it was a really easy read (much easier to read than the other book I'm reading for my ethics class). Simply talks about ethical traps and how to avoid them. Not super exciting, but that's okay.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is easy-to-read and highly relevant to the ethical crises that are becoming more and more prevalent in society. Unethical behavior is very costly to society. Everyone who reads this book will benefit.

[Lynn O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cut and dried, clear and informative assessment of the many reasons why people, not just executives, behave unethically. The anecdotes and case studies help to liven the reading as well as illustrate the different traps individuals fall into.

[Cory]

Recommended by business ethics professor - Dr. Abe