What is the key characteristic of ethical lapses?

The key characteristic of ethical lapses is that they occur when ethical standards are knowingly violated. This means that individuals or organizations are aware of the ethical guidelines or norms that apply to their behavior but choose to act against them regardless. This understanding emphasizes the intentionality behind ethical lapses, distinguishing them from mere mistakes or uninformed actions. When someone knowingly disregards ethical principles, it reflects a conscious choice to prioritize other interests—such as profit, convenience, or pressure—over ethical considerations.

In contrast, while ignorance of ethical standards can lead to ethical missteps, it does not fully capture the nature of a lapse, as a lapse implies awareness and disregard. External pressures may indeed influence decisions, but they do not define the act of violating ethics itself; rather, they can sometimes provide context for why an ethical lapse occurs. Lastly, ethical lapses are not always unintentional. The very term "lapse" implies a voluntary action that contradicts ethical norms, which often stems from a decision based on personal or organizational motivations, rather than a simple mistake or accident. Thus, the core of an ethical lapse lies in the conscious choice to act unethically.