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• Background Note | HBS Case Collection | September 2015 (Revised March 2018)

  Note on Human Behavior: Situation versus Character

  Nitin Nohria, Sandra J. Sucher, Joseph Badaracco and Bridget Gurtler

  When we think of human behavior, especially from a moral perspective, we often rely on explanations based on character. We think that good decisions and responsible behavior require people with integrity and strong character and that immoral behavior originates within people with little integrity and weak character. However, important research in recent decades strongly suggests that situational factors often dominate character in ethical decision making—for leaders and for members of their organizations. This note summarizes the recent research, shows its implications for the basic steps in ethical decision making, and provides a basis for in-depth discussion of the character-versus-situation question.

  Keywords: Decision Choices and Conditions; Ethics; Behavior; Personal Characteristics; Power and Influence; Situation or Environment;

  Citation:

  Nohria, Nitin, Sandra J. Sucher, Joseph Badaracco, and Bridget Gurtler. "Note on Human Behavior: Situation versus Character." Harvard Business School Background Note 316-078, September 2015. (Revised March 2018.)  View Details

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• Case | HBS Case Collection | January 2018

  Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors

  Nitin Nohria, Kerry Herman and Sarah Gulick

  Library case detailing the career of Mary Barra, GM’s CEO from January 2014, and her handling of the GM ignitions scandal, GM’s move into electric and autonomous car development, and activist investors.

  Keywords: CEO; female ceo; Automobiles; Leadership; Crisis Management; Auto Industry; Michigan;

  Citation:

  Nohria, Nitin, Kerry Herman, and Sarah Gulick. "Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors." Harvard Business School Case 418-042, January 2018.  View Details

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• Case | HBS Case Collection | January 2018

  Lloyd Blankfein and Goldman Sachs

  Nitin Nohria, Aldo Sesia and Kerry Herman

  The case provides a brief bio of Goldman Sachs’ Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein and highlights several challenges Blankfein faced as CEO. Blankfein took over as the firm’s leader in 2006 and continued to be CEO/Chairman in early 2018.

  Keywords: CEO; Leadership; Asset Management; Problems and Challenges; Financial Services Industry; United States;

  Citation:

  Nohria, Nitin, Aldo Sesia, and Kerry Herman. "Lloyd Blankfein and Goldman Sachs." Harvard Business School Case 418-043, January 2018.  View Details

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