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Myths on Moral Disengagement: Rhetoric from Samarco in a Corporate Crime

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  • Cintia Rodrigues de Oliveira Medeiros
  • Rafael Alcadipani da Silveira
  • Luciano Batista de Oliveira

Abstract

In this research, we conducted a rhetorical analysis in order to explore the moral disengagement mechanisms used by Samarco regarding the case of the crime that occurred related to the collapse of a dam under its management in November 2015, in Minas Gerais. The research body under rhetorical analysis consisted of publications containing statements by the company and its representatives concerning the case. As a result, we show that Samarco used three myths in their rhetoric: (a) We are doing what must be done; (b) We do not put society and the environment at risk; and (c) It is not our fault. These three myths are representative resources of moral disengagement (Bandura, 1999) by the company in the perpetration of a corporate crime. Our analysis identified three mechanisms: displacement of guilt, minimization and distortion of the consequences, and euphemistic labeling.

Suggested Citation

  • Cintia Rodrigues de Oliveira Medeiros & Rafael Alcadipani da Silveira & Luciano Batista de Oliveira, 2018. "Myths on Moral Disengagement: Rhetoric from Samarco in a Corporate Crime," RAC - Revista de Administração Contemporânea (Journal of Contemporary Administration), ANPAD - Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração, vol. 22(1), pages 70-91.
    • Handle: RePEc:abg:anprac:v:22:y:2018:i:1:1261
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