Psychological Entitlement as a Facilitator of Unethical Behavior

• In Event: Applying General Strain Theory, Psychological Entitlement, and Effect of Prenatal Testosterone

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between an individual’s psychological entitlement score (PES) and their response to a vignette presenting an unfair decision by a supervisor followed by an ethical dilemma of whether to falsify a time sheet. Consistent with expectations, there was a positive correlation between the perception of the supervisor’s decision as unfair and the likelihood that the time sheet would be falsified. Those with a higher PES were most likely to perceive that unethical behavior as justified, linking PES to the rationalization leg of the fraud triangle. Additionally, those with a higher PES feel less guilt and anger after submitting the false time sheet, suggesting psychological benefits from engaging in unethical behavior in contrast to the psychological costs assumed by most models.
This is a work in progress, with additional data collection and analysis underway.

Author

• Cynthia L Krom, Franklin & Marshall College