Lesson 1.2: Sources of Blind Spots in Leadership and Culture

Lesson Summary:
This lesson shifts the focus from individual psychology to organizational dynamics. It shows how cultures, norms, and incentives create ethical blind spots that can spread systemically through teams and departments.

Objectives:

• Identify structural and cultural factors that contribute to ethical blind spots

• Understand “ethical fading” and how norms evolve over time

• Evaluate the ethical risks embedded in performance culture and loyalty dynamics

Content Highlights:

• How culture communicates values—formally and informally

• Normalization of deviance and the ethics of silence

• Incentives, loyalty, and the erosion of ethical standards

Tools and Activities:

• Video Case Study: “The Boeing 737 MAX: Culture and Ethics”

• Scenario Workshop: Role-play on group pressure and moral silence

• Culture Audit Checklist: “Spotting Fading Signals”

• Reflection Activity: “Which norms in your organization discourage ethical questioning?”