Executive Summary
An emerging body of research suggests that focusing too much on reputation can sometimes have a negative effect: Attempts to maintain the appearance of doing what’s morally right can lead decision makers to engage in various wrongs. A series of studies found three ways in which concern with reputation can actually lead managers and employees to violate ethical standards they would have otherwise upheld. Understanding the desire to avoid appearing unethical offers some concrete steps that one can take to not just look like — but also act like — an…
