This research paper proposes an economic model explaining the relationship between gradual moral deviation (behavioral drift) and the efficiency of economic systems, moving beyond traditional models that treat morality as an exogenous variable. The paper starts from the hypothesis that morality represents "intangible capital" subject to depreciation and restoration, and that its erosion leads to a steady rise in "transaction costs" due to an increased need for external monitoring and control. Using tools from behavioral economics and game theory, we formulate three core relationships: first, a modified utility function that includes "moral capital" as an internal variable affecting decisions; second, a moral friction coefficient linking the average deviation in society to total transaction costs; third, an exponential deviation curve explaining how each deviant decision facilitates the next, creating a negative feedback loop that may lead the economy to a collapse point. The paper concludes by proposing practical corrective policies, such as "morality bonds" and tax incentives for companies adhering to approved codes of conduct, aiming to reduce monitoring costs by an estimated 10-20%. We conclude that restoring morality to the heart of economic analysis is not a religious or ethical luxury, but a practical necessity for ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of economic systems. Keywords: Behavioral Drift, Moral Capital, Transaction Costs, Behavioral Economics, Maqasid al-Shariah.
yassin et al. (Thu,) studied this question.