Factors that impede the development of an ethical person

Published on 29 Oct 2025

Factors that can impede the development of an ethical person arise from various sources, including individual characteristics, societal influences, and external pressures.

Moral relativism: The belief that there are no universal moral truths and that ethics are subjective, can lead to a lack of moral principles and a disregard for ethical considerations.
Lack of moral education: Without proper guidance and instruction, individuals may not have the knowledge to make informed ethical decisions.
Negative peer influence: When individuals are surrounded by peers who engage in unethical behaviour, it can be challenging to resist conformity and maintain one’s own ethical standards.

Example: Use of gateway drugs, which are substances that may lead to the use of more dangerous drugs, can start in a social context where peers are engaging in or promoting substance use..

Unethical role models: The exposure to negative examples of behaviour can impede the development of an ethical person.

Example: Youngsters influenced by the heroic image of Robin Hood may indulge in theft.

Cultural relativism: The belief that ethical standards are determined by cultural norms and vary across societies, may lead individuals to uncritically accept unethical practices within their culture.

Example: People who accept patriarchal elements set by their culture violate women’s rights.

Attitude of the larger society: An ethically backward society creates an impression that if the majority is unethical, then there is no wrong in being unethical.

Example: People justifying the act of open defecation by pointing out that most of the people engage in the same practice.

External pressures and incentives: External pressures, such as financial incentives, competition, or organizational pressures, can compromise ethical behaviour.

Example: Defection by members of political parties for power and financial gains.

Lack of recognition: When individuals perceive that ethical actions go unnoticed or unrewarded, it may diminish their motivation to consistently prioritize ethical considerations.

Example: Employees observing unethical colleagues going unpunished or even being promoted can erode their motivation to prioritize workplace ethics.

Lack of accountability: When unethical actions go unpunished or are not met with appropriate consequences, it can create a permissive environment that discourages ethical behaviour.
Ethical dilemmas and complexity: When faced with conflicting ethical principles or difficult choices, individuals may struggle to make decisions consistent with their ethical values.
Lack of ethical awareness: Failure to cultivate ethical awareness can impede the development of an ethical person.

By promoting moral education, fostering ethical role models, creating an environment of accountability, and encouraging critical thinking, individuals can overcome these obstacles and cultivate ethical behaviour.