I Agree With The Authors When They Mention That Self-Justifi

I Agree With The Authors When They Mention That Self Justification Was

I agree with the authors when they mention that self-justification was often done to protect jobs and reputation. I also think it is still used for these reasons and more. Self-justifications, to me, are like excuses as to why an individual made a certain decision and behaved a specific way. I can understand how it can be used to protect a job, especially nowadays. However, if it involves an unethical decision that affects other people or the purpose of the job itself, sometimes people can face worse consequences.

In the examples shared in the article by Tavris and Aronson (2008), it did not seem the clinicians faced repercussions for their actions. Nevertheless, I am certain that if this were done today, the outcomes might be different. Additionally, Braun and Schmidmaier (2019) described cognitive dissonance as an unpleasant sensation created, for example, by a discrepancy between our thoughts and our behavior or by holding two contradictory viewpoints. I can relate cognitive dissonance to self-justification. An individual might know they should not steal a woman’s purse at the mall, yet still do it. How do you feel about cognitive dissonance, and have you ever found yourself in that position?

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of self-justification is a profound psychological mechanism that individuals employ to reconcile their actions with their self-image and societal expectations. It often serves as a defense mechanism to protect one’s reputation, maintain employment, or avoid feelings of guilt. While this behavior can sometimes be viewed as a normal aspect of human psychology, it raises significant ethical considerations, especially when it masks dishonesty or unethical conduct.

In the context of the authors’ discussion, the notion that self-justification is often used to protect jobs and reputation underscores its pervasive role in organizational and social settings. These justifications can be seen as rationalizations that minimize cognitive dissonance—the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or engaging in behavior contrary to one's values. Tavris and Aronson (2008) explicate that individuals tend to craft narratives that absolve their culpability, thus enabling them to continue their actions without confronting the moral dissonance. In their study, clinicians seemingly avoided repercussions, which suggests that organizational environments may sometimes implicitly condone or overlook such justificatory behaviors.

However, this raises important questions about accountability. If unethical decisions are self-justified to preserve one's job or reputation, the broader consequences could be detrimental, both morally and practically. For example, in health care, failure to confront unethical practices can affect patient safety and trust. As the organizational culture evolves and accountability mechanisms become stricter, the consequences for unjustified self-protection are likely to intensify, potentially resulting in legal actions, professional disciplinary measures, or loss of credibility.

Braun and Schmidmaier (2019) deepen our understanding of these psychological processes by illustrating how cognitive dissonance fosters self-justification. Cognitive dissonance arises when there's a mismatch between one’s beliefs and actions, leading individuals to seek ways to reduce the discomfort—often through rationalization. For instance, a person who steals may convince themselves that their need outweighs the moral breach, or that the victim’s situation justified the act. Such rationalizations help individuals alleviate the psychological pain but can perpetuate unethical behavior if unchecked.

The phenomenon of cognitive dissonance and self-justification is not merely academic; it manifests in daily life. Many individuals have experienced moments where their actions conflicted with their moral standards—like lying, cheating, or deceit—and justified these behaviors to themselves to reduce guilt or shame. For example, someone might steal an item and convince themselves it’s a justified act because they feel entitled or perceive the item as undervalued. These self-justifications temporarily relieve inner conflict but ultimately hinder personal integrity and moral growth.

Understanding the underpinnings of self-justification and cognitive dissonance has implications beyond individual psychology. It informs organizational policies, ethical training, and leadership strategies aimed at fostering integrity and accountability. Cultivating an environment where individuals are encouraged to confront dissonance transparently, without fear of excessive retribution, can promote ethical decision-making. Moreover, ethical education and mindfulness training can equip individuals with tools to recognize their own biases and rationalizations, thereby reducing the tendency to justify unethical behaviors.

In conclusion, self-justification serves a protective function in human psychology but can have adverse effects when used to mask unethical decisions. Recognizing the signs of cognitive dissonance and fostering accountability can help prevent the perpetuation of harmful behaviors. As societies and organizations evolve, cultivating a culture of honesty and self-awareness becomes crucial to uphold ethical standards and promote genuine integrity among individuals and institutions alike.

References

• Tavris, C., & Aronson, E. (2008). Mistakes were made (but not by me): Why we justify foolish beliefs, bad decisions, and Hurtful acts. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Braun, S., & Schmidmaier, D. (2019). Cognitive dissonance and its role in decision-making processes. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 45(2), 123-135.
• Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press.
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