TED: What really motivates people to be honest in business | Alexander Wagner

The video discusses daily interactions with companies and the prevalence of corporate fraud, highlighting a study that shows one in seven large corporations commit fraud annually. It contrasts Adam Smith's economic theory of self-interest with Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy of right and wrong. An experiment on honesty reveals that people are motivated by intrinsic values, termed 'protected values,' which influence their behavior. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals with the right values for organizational success.

What is the estimated annual cost of corporate fraud to shareholders and society?

• 280 billion dollars

• 380 billion dollars

• 180 billion dollars

• 480 billion dollars

Who is an example of a whistle-blower mentioned in the talk?

• Anna Politkovskaya

• Edward Snowden

• Michael Woodford

• Julian Assange

According to Adam Smith, what drives people to act in their self-interest?

• Moral obligations

• Social pressure

• Long-term implications

• Immediate utility

What is a key factor in building a reputation according to the speaker?

• Being secretive

• Being honest

• Being aggressive

• Being generous

What does Immanuel Kant believe about actions and their consequences?

• Actions should be based on societal norms

• Consequences always determine the morality of actions

• Some actions are right or wrong regardless of consequences

• Actions are justified by their outcomes

What is the main focus of the experiments discussed by the speaker?

• Economic incentives

• Legal regulations

• Protected values

• Social norms

What is a 'protected value' according to the speaker?

• A value that is easily influenced by incentives

• A value that is upheld regardless of cost

• A value that is protected by law

• A value that changes with social trends

How do people with high protected values perceive money earned through dishonest means?

• As less valuable

• As irrelevant

• As equally valuable

• As more valuable

What does the speaker suggest is important for improving organizational effectiveness?

• Selecting people with the right values

• Implementing strict regulations

• Increasing financial incentives

• Enhancing technological capabilities

What is the speaker's profession?

• Philosopher

• Lawyer

• Economist

• Journalist