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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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• Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | November 2012 (Revised January 2018)

  Chris and Alison Weston (A), (B), (C)

  Sandra J. Sucher

  Teaching Note for Chris and Alison Weston(A), (B) and (C) cases.

  Keywords: Crime and Corruption; Moral Sensibility; Values and Beliefs; Conflict of Interests; Value; United States;

  Citation:

  Sucher, Sandra J. "Chris and Alison Weston (A), (B), (C)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 613-018, November 2012. (Revised January 2018.)  View Details

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• Article | Harvard Business Review

  Case Study: Follow Dubious Orders or Speak Up?

  Sandra J. Sucher and Matthew Preble

  The article discusses an intern for the technology security company Zantech addressing her concerns about her boss in Seoul, South Korea, regarding an inappropriate suggestion on misrepresenting her identity. An overview of the ethical aspects of addressing her concerns to the company’s management, including in regard to corporate culture and the ethical behavior of Zantech’s competition, is provided.

  Keywords: Ethics; Labor and Management Relations; Organizational Culture;

  Citation:

  Sucher, Sandra J., and Matthew Preble. "Case Study: Follow Dubious Orders or Speak Up?" Harvard Business Review 95, no. 4 (July–August 2017): 139–141.  View Details

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