A study has shown that people who say “I don’t do X” feel more empowered than those who say “I can’t do X”, and thus are less likely to X.
When we train our employee about, say, corruption, what is our message?
- “We don’t bribe”, because this is not who we are? Or,
- “We can’t bribe”, because it is illegal and the fines are huge?
It is much easier to teach the law. However, teaching values and ethics can prove much more effective.
The Ethical Leader 