Ethical decision-making under social uncertainty: An introduction of überethicality

Abstract

Prospect theory holds human to code gains or losses perspectives relative to an individual reference point to guide our actions. Monetary losses loom larger in human than the joy over gains - but does this hold for social status changes? Testing prospect theory for social status striving in the realm of socioeconomics helps understand the underlying mechanisms of social identity and social dominance theories. In two field experiments, social status prospects relative to an individual's reference point were found to influence social decision-making and action. Social status depletion was outlined in order to avoid repetition to drive social responsibility in the sustainability domain. Two field observations of environmentally conscientious recycling behavior and sustainable energy consumption at a North American university campus capture social status losses resulting in higher ethicality than social status gains. Ethicality as a socially appreciated, noble contribution to society may offer the prospect of social status gains resuscitation opportunities given the societal respect for altruism and prosocial acts. Social responsibility grants social status elevation opportunities. An überethical filling of legal gaps or outperforming of regulatory obligations thereby is likely to occur after social status drops. Social status losses are identified as significant drivers of socially responsible environmental conscientiousness. Social forces thereby promise to become an effective means for accomplishing positive societal change.