While preparing for an ethics presentation I came across this video showing the power of social influence over others. In our core being we know the difference between right and wrong, yet the environment around us, specifically the pressure from coworkers or superiors plays a significant role in whether we follow-through with right choices and actions.
The subjects in this video know that facing forward is the normal, acceptable, elevator behavior. Yet, when faced with the social pressure of others, the subjects could be pressured to change what they believed was the norm.
I do not think much has to be said about how this elevator video translates to social pressure and the effects on a company’s ethical environment. This is why I believe the corporate environment is of the utmost importance and impacts every fiber of the organization, from products, services, customers, reputation, employees, ethics and whether or not the company will be a long-term viable entity.
