The subtle reasons why leaders ignore their own advice

In countries that emphasize the needs of the group over the individual, like Asian and Latin American countries, inconsistent behavior is not immediately associated with hypocrisy.

In collectivistic cultures, people will prioritize the preservation of relationships, even when people have double standards.

A reason leaders behave inconsistently is a phenomenon called 'moral licensing.' When people do or say something virtuous, they seem to feel licensed to act in ways that might otherwise call their virtue into question.

Leaders working extremely hard for the common good, might psychologically collect moral credits. This makes them likely to judge their own behavior more kindly than they would do otherwise, even if it may be unethical. They may also convince themselves that others will see their actions in the same light.