We can work on Case: The Bathsheba Syndrome

Have you ever wondered why people, such as General Petraeus and Harvey Weinstein, who have made it to the top stumble and fall? Were they bad people all along, or did a perfect storm of interacting variables lead to their downfall? How can we prevent leaders at the top of organizations from engaging in unethical acts and bringing the rest down with them?

To complete this discussion, first, read The Bathsheba Syndrome: The Ethical Failure of Successful Leaders. Then, for your initial post, address the following:

If virtue or good character is, as Aristotle says, a good habit, then what happened to King David?

When we select leaders, how is it possible to tell which ones are likely to fall prey to the Bathsheba Syndrome?

In Module 2, you explored the idea of unchecked power in the Ring of Gyges. How is this different? Would you have acted the same in King David’s position?

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Sample Answer

The Bathsheba Syndrome is a term coined by psychiatrist Dr. George Weinberg to describe the phenomenon of successful leaders who engage in unethical or destructive behaviors. The syndrome is named after the biblical story of King David, who committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed to cover up his crime.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the Bathsheba Syndrome. These include:

  • Unchecked power: When leaders have unchecked power, they may be more likely to believe that they are above the law or that they can get away with anything.
  • Greed: Leaders who are driven by greed may be more likely to engage in unethical behavior in order to further their own interests.
  • Emotional instability: Leaders who are emotionally unstable may be more likely to make impulsive decisions that they later regret.
  • Lack of moral compass: Leaders who lack a strong moral compass may be more likely to justify unethical behavior.

Full Answer Section

If virtue or good character is, as Aristotle says, a good habit, then what happened to King David?

Aristotle believed that virtue is a good habit that is developed through practice. However, even people with good character can make mistakes. In the case of King David, he was a good man who made a bad decision. He was tempted by Bathsheba’s beauty and he succumbed to his desires.

When we select leaders, how is it possible to tell which ones are likely to fall prey to the Bathsheba Syndrome?

It is difficult to tell which leaders are likely to fall prey to the Bathsheba Syndrome. However, there are some things that we can look for. For example, we can look for leaders who have a history of unethical behavior. We can also look for leaders who are driven by greed or who lack a strong moral compass.

In Module 2, you explored the idea of unchecked power in the Ring of Gyges. How is this different? Would you have acted the same in King David’s position?

The Ring of Gyges is a story about a shepherd who finds a magic ring that makes him invisible. The shepherd uses the ring to commit crimes without being caught. The Bathsheba Syndrome is similar in that it is about leaders who abuse their power. However, the Bathsheba Syndrome is more specific in that it focuses on leaders who engage in unethical or destructive behaviors.

I am not sure if I would have acted the same in King David’s position. I would like to think that I would have resisted temptation, but I cannot say for sure. I think that it is important to remember that everyone is capable of making mistakes, even good people.

Here are some things that we can do to prevent leaders at the top of organizations from engaging in unethical acts:

  • Create a culture of accountability: Leaders should be held accountable for their actions. This means that there should be clear consequences for unethical behavior.
  • Encourage ethical decision-making: Leaders should be trained on how to make ethical decisions. They should also be given the resources they need to make ethical decisions.
  • Promote transparency: Leaders should be transparent about their decisions and actions. This will help to prevent unethical behavior from happening in the shadows.
  • Create a culture of respect: Leaders should create a culture of respect in their organizations. This will help to create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up if they see something wrong.

By taking these steps, we can help to prevent leaders at the top of organizations from engaging in unethical acts.

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