The ethics slide: how good intentions can lead to bad outcomes
In this special episode of Unmute All, we explore the darker side of corporate life with Guido Palazzo, Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Lausanne, and Marie von der Groeben, Chief Compliance Officer of the Deutsche Telekom Group.
Guido Palazzo has spent two decades studying business scandals, and what he’s found might surprise you: in most cases, it’s not about a few “bad apples.”
Instead, it’s a pattern: toxic leadership, unreachable goals, a culture of fear, and blurred ethical lines that slowly push good employees to cut corners.
When workers feel trapped between losing their job and bending the rules, many choose survival. And when whole teams make that same choice, disaster follows.
Why good intentions aren’t enough
Marie von der Groeben brings the compliance perspective: scandals don’t happen overnight. People slide into wrongdoing step by step, believing they’re still doing the right thing — for the company, for performance, for results.
One key insight? Many employees involved in past scandals didn’t think they were doing anything wrong. They didn’t profit personally — they thought they were helping. This “ethical fog” makes it even harder to stop misconduct before it escalates.
Speak-up culture isn’t optional — it’s survival
A major theme in the episode is the importance of ethical conversations in everyday work. When employees feel safe to raise concerns — and leaders know how to listen — companies avoid the spiral that leads to reputational and financial disaster.
But speaking up is hard, and so is receiving feedback. Guido argues that both need to be practiced like any other skill. Without training, fear and defensiveness will always win.
From dark patterns to bright practices
The conversation also touches on how to build a more resilient culture. Ethical leadership isn’t about heroism — it’s about consistency, clarity, and empathy. It’s about rejecting toxic incentives (like bonuses that reward bad behavior), setting realistic targets, and creating space for feedback and doubt.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s about reminding people: you always have a choice — but you also need a plan B.
This episode of Unmute All offers an eye-opening look at how scandals happen — and how they can be prevented. It’s a must-listen for anyone in leadership, HR, compliance, or simply trying to navigate workplace pressure without losing their moral compass.
Listen to the full episode to learn how not to become the next cautionary tale: https://www.deutschetelekomitsolutions.hu/podcasts/the-ethics-slide-how-good-intentions-can-lead-to-bad-outcomes/