Giving Voice To Values

In Giving Voice to Values, Gentile presents a comprehensive approach to developing practical strategies for ethical advocacy in the workplace, emphasizing both the importance of recognizing ethical dilemmas and proactively preparing for them by cultivating the tools, frameworks, and mindsets that enable individuals to voice their values effectively. Her argument begins with the premise that most people already possess the moral inclination to act ethically; what they often lack are the strategies and confidence to advocate for their values in organizational settings where pressure and rationalizations can undermine ethical behavior.

One of Gentile’s key strategies for ethical advocacy is the development of “pre-scripting,” a technique where individuals anticipate the ethical dilemmas they might face and prepare responses in advance—a practice that directly undergirds Gentile’s thesis. This process, discussed throughout the book, empowers individuals to act on their values in moments of pressure, rather than succumbing to organizational norms or peer pressure. In Chapter 4, for example, Gentile explains how creating these scripts helps individuals “normalize” the practice of ethical decision-making, reducing the sense of isolation that often accompanies going against the grain in a corporate setting. By practicing responses, individuals can overcome the hesitation that ethical conflicts often provoke.

Gentile further reinforces practical strategies by focusing on self-awareness and alignment of personal values with professional actions. In Chapter 6, she emphasizes the importance of “Self-Knowledge,” “Self-Image,” and “Alignment,” where understanding one’s own values and ethical boundaries becomes critical to staying true to them in the face of adversity. She argues that knowing oneself is the foundation of effective ethical leadership, as it allows individuals to act consistently and authentically, thereby fostering trust and credibility. Gentile uses this framework to show that ethical advocacy is not just about responding to dilemmas reactively but about actively cultivating an identity that aligns with one’s values.

Another practical strategy Gentile promotes is leveraging organizational support structures, mitigating the sense of isolation that often creates a barrier to ethical action. She advises that individuals should not view themselves as lone ethical crusaders but rather as part of a broader network that includes allies, mentors, and institutional resources that can be mobilized in support of ethical advocacy. Gentile discusses how identifying shared goals within the organization can help rally support for ethical initiatives. She highlights examples of professionals who successfully voiced their values by aligning their arguments with their company’s long-term interests, illustrating that ethical advocacy can be framed as both morally right and strategically advantageous.

Gentile also introduces the concept of reframing rationalizations as another critical strategy for ethical advocacy that pushes back against the tendency to justify unethical behavior. In Chapter 8, she explores the common rationalizations people use to justify unethical behavior, such as “everyone does it” or “it’s not my responsibility” (179). Gentile argues that by identifying and confronting these rationalizations directly, individuals can dismantle the justifications for unethical actions and present more compelling, values-driven alternatives. This strategy enables ethical advocates to challenge the status quo without seeming confrontational, which can be particularly effective in hierarchical or conservative organizational cultures.

Gentile’s focus on peer coaching and collective action presents a practical strategy that reinforces the idea that ethical advocacy is not an isolated endeavor. She emphasizes the role of peer support in strengthening ethical behavior. By sharing experiences, discussing potential responses, and practicing together, individuals can build a collective muscle for voicing their values. Gentile’s framework suggests that ethical advocacy is more sustainable and impactful when it is a shared, collective effort rather than an individual one.