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The Dark Pattern

The Hidden Dynamics of Corporate Scandals

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The Dark Pattern

By: Guido Palazzo Ph.D Ph.D, Ulrich Hoffrage Ph.D Ph.D
Narrated by: Tim Lounibos, Betsy Foldes Meiman
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About this listen

From the creators of the theory of ethical blindness comes an investigation into how corporate scandals happen, revealing the common pattern behind them and how your organization can avoid them

Too often, the stories of corporate scandals are narrated like Hollywood movies in which once-celebrated CEOs are unmasked as sociopaths and ultimately convicted for their crimes. What we fail to realize, however, is that most bad things are done by average people with honorable values and without bad intentions.

In The Dark Pattern, two experts in business ethics and decision-making challenge the conventional view that corporate misconduct happens because of a handful of bad actors. Instead, the book shows how entire organizations can fall off the moral cliff because good people become ethically blind.

Drawing on the latest insights from behavioral science, the authors identify nine toxic elements that lead to corporate scandals and offer nine actionable lessons for building morally resilient organizations. Essential reading for business leaders, The Dark Pattern offers real-world guidance for defending companies against the subtle dynamics of moral erosion.
Business Ethics Management Management & Leadership Organisational Behavior True Crime White Collar & Corporate Crime Workplace & Organisational Behavior

Critic reviews

"Finally, a book that brings corporate ethics to life! For executives who have endured mind-numbing compliance training, Guido Palazzo and Ulrich Hoffrage offer a refreshingly engaging approach. Through gripping narratives of real-world corporate failures—like the Boeing 737 MAX tragedy and Volkswagen’s Dieselgate—combined with sharp academic insights, this book redefines ethical leadership. A must-read for anyone seeking to move beyond rules and regulations to foster a truly ethical corporate culture."
Thomas J. Donaldson, Mark O. Winkelman Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

“Volkswagen, Theranos, Uber—The Dark Pattern presents a mix of scandals, case reports, and psychological theory to explain why so many managers fall over the moral cliff and how few speak out against it, enabling white-collar criminals to maintain their positive self-image. A fascinating journey into the world of ethical blindness. Well written, enlightening, engaging—and dark as corporate hell.”

Gerd Gigerenzer, professor, Max Planck Institute for Human Development
The Dark Pattern by Guido Palazzo and Ulrich Hoffrage teaches us about the power of context, which is stronger than reason, values, morals, and best intentions. It is an uncomfortable and painful lesson about the root causes of ‘corporate infernos.’ However, this lesson is never cynical or destructive but deeply human-centered. It concludes with powerful steps on how to avoid ethical blindness. I wish all leaders in organizations would read this book.”—Klaus Moosmayer, Chief Ethics, Compliance and Risk officer, Novartis

The Dark Pattern is engaging and disturbing in equal measure. Packed with insight about human psychology and organizational dynamics—and the dangerous ways they interact—this important and timely book should be read by every leader and aspiring leader in every sector. The book’s core argument—that people and context combine to create ethical blindness that allows corporate scandals to take hold—is compellingly explained and illustrated with some highly familiar stories, along with others that are less well known but equally gripping.”

Amy C. Edmondson, author of Right Kind of Wrong

“A most timely and thought-provoking book in a changing world led by destructive incentives and fear. It is a breathtaking challenge to break through the patterns of darkness! The game is on for strong leaders and fearless personalities to redefine success of leadership and to secure the future of economic growth and security of employees, citizens and nations. A must-read to reshape trust by holding leaders accountable. I recommend this book for every MBA student and business leader scaling long term success.”

Brigitte Mohn, Managing Director, Sunrise Capital Gmbh
All stars
Most relevant
An interesting insight with case study examples into the importance of culture and how those who act unethically do so due to the lack of moral imagine and this then creates a dark pattern, where individuals are pushed by leaders to believe breaking morals and legal rules are the only way to achieve their goals. The question of whether the economic system is the problem at the end of the book sounds like a statement but it reiterates the point of individuals willing to do anything they believe will help them succeed and achieve their goals.

The bad apples create the dark pattern

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