Ethical dilemma
Order Description
Introduction
This week we will learn how to apply a framework to make a decision about an ethical dilemma. Im sure you will find Professor Badaraccos lecture enlightening, particularly if you think that ethical decisions are easy or clear cut. The point of having an ethical framework is to give you a step by step process to evaluate ethical decisions. The process of applying the framework requires us to reflect on our choices and see them from different perspectives, rather than reacting in a purely emotional or intuitive way. Intuition is a tool that we can use to make ethical decisions, but it?s not the only tool. Critical thinking is also a very important factor in making ethical decisions. As Badaracco points out, our ethical decisions don?t have to be ?heroic? or dramatic, the every-day workplace issues involving co-workers and more routine situations are the ones that most of us are faced with. We probably think of them as so routine that we might not even recognize that they are ethical issues. I think all of the hypothetical decisions you are presented with this week involve very real kinds of problems that managers in organizations face.
Another approach to an ethical decision model is that of Professor Josephson in Chapter Two of the book listed at the top of your required readings (The Legal Environment and Business Law). On pages 63 and 64 of that book the author lists six core values that most people can agree on. The ethical decision model has you consider how each of these core values relate to the question at issue and the impact on stakeholders and others. .
When you are asked to respond to the question, Is it ethical? it is not sufficient to say, It is unethical or This would not be ethical, because it is wrong. An educated response to this question requires consideration of the following: What makes it unethical? What makes it wrong? What standards are you applying? Ethical analysis involves the application of principles, theories, and values to particular situations. The readings will help you to see this.
I hope you enjoy the case situations. Our cases this week are a mix, some are hypothetical based on fact, some are all too real. Im sure you will recognize some of these issues in your own workplaces. Dont hesitate to bring your own experience to bear when you analyze the cases. You will be asked to contribute examples of your own on topic #3.
I look forward to a stimulating discussion this week.
Based on your reading for this week, and the required multi-media, analyze and discuss the three ethical scenarios presented as separate discussion topics (including one issue from your own experience, topic three). In your analysis, rather than simply stating how you feel about the situations, apply the principles and theories in the readings to create a reasonable and informed position.
Students are expected to participate in the discussion of all three scenarios/topics.
Suggested order of readings/multimedia:
Chapter 2
Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics in The Legal Environment and Business Law (v. 1.0)Badaracco, J.L., Jr. (2002). Defining moments: A framework for moral decisions. Faculty Seminar Series. Harvard Business School.Bagley, C. (2008, April). Winning legally: The value of legal astuteness. Academy of Management Review, 33(2), 378-390.(B).
Hunt, S.D. & Hansen, J.M. (2007). Understanding ethical diversity in organizations. Organizational Dynamics, 36(2), 202-216.Christensen, D. S. (2010). Four questions for analyzing the right-versus-right dilemmas of managers. Journal of Business Case Studies, 6(3), 53-57.Martynov, A. (2009). Agents or stewards? Linking managerial behavior and moral development. Journal of Business Ethics, 90, 239-249.
Topic: # 1 The Puffed Up Resume ? I page paperAnalyze the The Puffed Up Resume case study in the W3 area of the classroom. Be sure to apply either Josephsons Core Values Analysis and Decision Process or Professor Badaraccos method to analyze the issues before stating your recommendations.
1. What should Betty do?
2. How should Human Resources handle this situation?Topic # 2 Loose Lips ? I page paper
OOSE LIPS BRING PINK SLIPS: FIRED FOR GOSSIP AT THE OFFICE
A CASE STUDY
by
Rosemary Hartigan and Paula O?Callaghan*Analyze the LOOSE LIPS BRING PINK SLIPS: FIRED FOR GOSSIP AT THE OFFICE case study in the W3 area of the classroom. Be sure to apply either Josephsons Core Values Analysis and Decision Process or Badaraccos method to analyze the situation fully before you respond to the questions.
1. Is Sharkeys behavior ethical? Does it make a difference if the allegation of the affair between his boss and Sheila Sharpe is true or false?
2. Sam Cypher finds out that Sharkey has been gossiping about him and Sheila Sharpe. Assume the gossip about Sam and Sheila is not true, and Sam wants to fire Sharkey. Should the Human Resources Office support his decision?Topic #3: Your Scenerio I page Paper
Ethical issues arise in the workplace all the time. Describe a situation that you have encountered in the workplace that you believe raises some ethical issues. Then apply one of the assigned ethical frameworks to analyze the situation.