Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

What is the thinking process called that rationalizes unethical behavior?

1. Moral Justification

2. Ethical Dilemma

3. Behavioral Justification

4. Integrity Reversal

The correct answer is: Moral Justification

The thinking process that rationalizes unethical behavior is known as moral justification. This concept refers to the cognitive process by which individuals convince themselves that their actions, which may normally be considered wrong or unethical, can be justified under certain circumstances. People may use moral justification to align their behavior with their personal beliefs or social norms, ultimately allowing them to feel comfortable with actions they might otherwise condemn. For example, someone might argue that stealing is acceptable if it's done to help a person in need, thus framing their unethical decision within a moral narrative that makes it appear acceptable. This cognitive distortion helps individuals mitigate feelings of guilt or shame that would typically accompany unethical actions. In contrast, ethical dilemmas involve situations where a person faces conflicting ethical principles and must make a difficult decision. Behavioral justification and integrity reversal are not established terms in this context and do not accurately capture the process of rationalizing unethical behavior.