Learn in the textbookThe Fraud Triangle and Human Vulnerabilities
DefinitionRationalization (正当化) is the way of thinking that cancels out guilt by finding reasons why committing fraud does not put oneself in the wrong.
ExplanationExcuses such as “I'm only taking back the overtime pay I never got” or “I'm just borrowing it and will return it soon” fit here. The countermeasure is to build a workplace climate where such excuses do not hold up, through ethics training and publicizing a code of conduct.
AnalogyIt is like telling yourself “everyone does it” and letting yourself cross on a red light.
Memory hookThe English word rationalization comes from the Latin ratio (reason), so remember it as the mind's habit of making up reasons.