Ann Tenbrunsel

Ann E. Tenbrunsel is the David E. Gallo Professor of Business Ethics in the College of Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame, where she also serves as chair of the Department of Management & Organization. Tenbrunsel holds a Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She teaches at the executive, MBA, and undergraduate levels, focusing on behavioral ethics and ethical decision making in business.

Tenbrunsel's research examines the psychology of ethical decision making, specifically why employees, leaders, and students may act unethically despite intentions to behave ethically. Her work explores the persistent gap between intended and actual ethical behavior, a phenomenon she refers to as "blind spots." In her book "Blind Spots," Tenbrunsel analyzes how these gaps arise and strategies to address them. She distinguishes between the "should self," which predicts behavior based on stated values, and the "want self," which often influences actions at critical moments by prioritizing self-interest.

Tenbrunsel is the author, co-author, or co-editor of six books, including "Blind Spots" with Max Bazerman, "Behavioral Ethics: Shaping an Emerging Field" with David De Cremer, and "Codes of Conduct: Behavioral Research into Business Ethics" with David Messick. She has published more than 50 research articles and chapters on topics such as business ethics, organizational behavior, and ethical leadership. Tenbrunsel's research has been featured in interviews on MSNBC, PBS, and National Public Radio, and her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, US News and World Report, Sports Illustrated, Harvard Business Review, The Guardian, and Forbes.

Tenbrunsel was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics by Ethisphere. She has organized international conferences, such as the Inequality, Trust and Ethics conference at the Notre Dame London Global Gateway, to facilitate discussions on the intersection of ethics and behavior in business. Through her scholarship, speaking engagements, and media contributions, Tenbrunsel provides insight into why ethical lapses occur in organizations and how individuals and companies can foster ethical decision making.