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The Detrimental Effects of Oxytocin-Induced Conformity on Dishonesty in Competition

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  • Aydogan, Gokhan
  • Jobst, Andrea
  • D'Ardenne, Kimberlee
  • Müller, Norbert
  • Kocher, Martin G.

Abstract

Justifications may promote unethical behavior because they constitute a convenient loophole through which people can gain from immoral behavior and preserve a positive self-image at the same time. A justification that is widely used is rooted in conformity: Unethical choices become more permissible because one's peers are expected to make the same unethical choices. In the current study, we tested whether an exogenous alteration of conformity led to a lower inclination to adhere to a widely accepted norm (i.e., honesty) under the pressure of competition. We took advantage of the well-known effects of intranasally applied oxytocin on affiliation, in-group conformity, and in-group favoritism in humans. We found that conformity was enhanced by oxytocin, and this enhancement had a detrimental effect on honesty in a competitive environment but not in a noncompetitive environment. Our findings contribute to recent evidence showing that competition may lead to unethical behavior and erode moral values.

Suggested Citation

  • Aydogan, Gokhan & Jobst, Andrea & D'Ardenne, Kimberlee & Müller, Norbert & Kocher, Martin G., 2017. "The Detrimental Effects of Oxytocin-Induced Conformity on Dishonesty in Competition," Munich Reprints in Economics 49871, University of Munich, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:lmu:muenar:49871
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Benistant, Julien & Galeotti, Fabio & Villeval, Marie Claire, 2022. "Competition, information, and the erosion of morals," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 148-163.
    2. Julien Benistant & Fabio Galeotti & Marie Claire Villeval, 2021. "The Distinct Impact of Information and Incentives on Cheating," Working Papers halshs-03110295, HAL.
    3. Simon Piest & Philipp Schreck, 2021. "Contests and unethical behavior in organizations: a review and synthesis of the empirical literature," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 71(4), pages 679-721, October.
    4. Garbarino, Ellen & Slonim, Robert & Villeval, Marie Claire, 2019. "Loss aversion and lying behavior," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 379-393.

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