
Yesterday on All Things Considered on NPR, there was a great story called, “Psychology Of Fraud: Why Good People Do Bad Things.”
It’s worth a listen. If you saw that documentary called, “Enron, the Smartest Guys in the Room,” this is an extension of the discussion that oftentimes people who commit fraud aren’t aware of their error. Psychologically, it is something that is dismissed or looked over.
Psychology is trying to figure this out.
One scenario is that mechanics in charge of car inspections might turn a blind eye toward a Honda Civic over a Mercedes Benz. The thought is that because the mechanic connects with the income level of the drive who owns a Civic, he might feel sorry for them. The mechanic doesn’t realize that the ramifications of his decision could take a toll on the environment if he — and every nice guy like him — does the same thing.
I’m fascinated by psychology like this. There are people, you know them, who you are able to overlook their “sins” because of an affection toward them. And yet, if you read or see about a stranger who is commits the same “sins,” you berate them with insults.
You may even be aware that you are one of these people as well.
Take a listen and throw your responses in the comments.