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Beyond shame: Ethical dimensions of mindsets in corruption
In cultures where the primary goal of work is to achieve position and rank, making a mistake is not a major concern if it goes unnoticed and does not lead to a loss of face.
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Public shame: Two men wearing placards that read “I am a pickpocket” stand at Manggarai Train Station in Jakarta on Aug. 8, 2016 after being caught by the police. (Courtesy of kompas.com/Nibras Nada Nailufar)
In behavioral psychology, Carol Dweck's groundbreaking work on growth and fixed mindsets provides a transformative perspective on human capability and learning. Dweck posits two distinct mindsets: the fixed mindset, where abilities are seen as static and unchangeable, leading to avoidance of challenges and ethical transgressions; and the growth mindset, viewing abilities as malleable and fostered through effort and resilience, encouraging an adaptive approach to challenges and decision-making.
While Dweck’s framework has significantly influenced educational and personal development strategies, its intersection with ethical considerations, particularly in behaviors like corruption, remains underexplored. We need to delve into this crucial territory to understand the complex relationship between mindsets and morality.
Observations of individuals engaged in corrupt practices reveal a paradox. Often, these individuals display traits associated with a growth mindset, such as adaptability and resourcefulness, but apply these qualities in unethical ways. This challenges the conventional understanding of Dweck's theory and suggests a need for a broader perspective that integrates a moral compass with mindset orientation.
Conversely, viewing corrupt individuals as purely fixed mindset-oriented due to ethical shortcomings is an oversimplification. Fixed mindsets do not inherently lack moral principles; their ethical dilemmas often stem from a reluctance to step beyond comfort zones, including moral or ethical boundaries.
Consider the concept of “fixed mindset corruptor” versus “growth mindset corruptor," exemplified by the provocative idea of an imaginary book titled How to Be a Growth Mindset Corruptor. This hypothetical juxtaposition uses Dweck's theories to examine corruption, presenting a mix that challenges our understanding of these mindsets in ethical contexts.
These imagined terms and concepts serve as a reminder that psychological theories and mindsets can be misinterpreted or misapplied. They highlight the importance of integrating ethical considerations into our understanding of mindsets. It is a stark illustration of how a positive concept like the growth mindset can be warped when divorced from a foundational sense of ethics and morality.
