Ethical Decision Making

Ethical Decision Making

Ethical decision making is an important aspect of business culture, which at times can be difficult. The moral judgment of an individual is pulled in different directions; directions of telling the truth, loyalty to someone or a company, and honesty. However, it all boils down to rational ethical decision-making, which may lead to the most ethical answer. In Pats situation, she is faced with an ethical decision of being a loyal friend, or a loyal employee. The answer is either black, or white. However, should there be a grey area? Is it possible to be a loyal friend and a loyal employee simultaneously? With the assistance of two decision-making approaches, the ethical decision-process for Pat may be simplified. The first approach, the “categorical imperative” by Emmanuel Kant stresses that your action is justifiable if it’s okay for everybody to act the same. The second approach is virtue ethics, which focuses on the individuals’ integrity.

The deontological style to assist Pat in her decision-making process is the categorical imperative approach. Using this approach, whatever decision Pat makes should be the decision everybody else makes when faced with this type of situation without exceptions. Basically, the decision is justifiable through this universal law. In this situation, Pat has a moral obligation to make a decision that is suitable to follow by others. Pat deciding to tell her friend about the layoffs may be the best principle for everyone to follow. A close friend is in need, and you are there to make the moral decision to help her out. However, what if Pat decided to disregard her friend and not say anything about the layoffs? Is this decision rationale justifiable as a common law? Should the whole world not tell their friend about the possibility of getting laid off? The answer is absolutely not. One may be in violation of company rule to discuss future layoffs with an employee. However, in this situation,...