7. Anticipate rationalizations for unethical behavior. Consider the most likely arguments used to support immoral behavior. Common rationalizations include

“Everyone does this; it’s standard practice” and “This is not my responsibility; I’m just following orders.” Then consider how to best respond. For example, the

“everybody is doing it” argument is an exaggeration since

(a) not everyone engages in the practice, and

(b) if it were standard practice, then there wouldn’t be a law against it. The “just following orders” argument reveals that the speaker is uncomfortable with her or his response to the situation and should be open to further discussion.