Bocchiaro et al. (2012) - To defy or not to defy: An experimental study of the dynamics of disobedience and whistleblowing

Question 1

Idea of study:

Answer 1

New paradigm that presented participant with an unethical request. Participant would then have 3 options: obey, disobey, whistleblow

Question 2

Results of study:

Answer 2

In a separate study, most students said they would whistleblow (illusion of invulnerability, not considering how situation can impact you and better-than-average phenomenon, believing you are more ethical than others) and expected the average student to disobey. However, in reality (results), nearly all participants obeyed. Only a few disobeyed, and even less opted for whistleblowing.

Question 3

Cost-benefits whistleblowing

Answer 3

Whistleblowing can be demanding in its consequences and there is little guarantee it will make a difference, which is why most opt out.
Whistleblowing will make one feel good due to doing the right thing and being a moral beacon.

Question 5

Justifying obedience

Answer 5

Obedient participants justified their behaviour (immoral) of obeying by giving responsibility to external forces (“I did so because I was asked –> diffusion of responsibility, same as Milgram). The participants engaged in self-serving absolution, easy way to escape a conflictual situation.