We like to believe that, as adults, we make decisions independently and are far beyond succumbing to peer pressure. But social science research tells us that is simply not the case. Study after study confirms it: the vast majority of people act based on the circumstances in their environment and the standards set by their leaders and peers, even if it means compromising their personal moral ideals. "Good" people do bad things if they are put in an environment that doesn't value values, if pressured to believe that they don't have any choice but to get the job done—whatever it takes.

This report, sponsored by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) and the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), is published by the Ethics Resource Center (ERC).

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