Management

Case Study 2 ; Natural disaster

Problem Definition

Acting ethically is the right thing to do, but it's not always easy. Often, conforming to a high standard of conduct is not about clear-cut right and wrong decisions, but choosing the "lesser of two evils." Some decisions require that you prioritize and choose between competing ethical values and principles.

Ethical decision-making is based on core character values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Ethical decisions generate ethical behaviors and provide a foundation for good business practices.

Problem Justification

Some common rationalizations that can cloud our judgment when we are involved in making tough ethical decisions.

The false necessity trap: "Necessity is an interpretation and not a fact." We tend to fall into the "false necessity trap" because we overestimate the cost of doing the right thing and underestimate the cost of failing to do so.

Everyone's doing it: This is a false "safety in numbers" rationale that often confuses cultural, organizational, or occupational behaviors and customs as ethical norms.

It doesn't hurt anyone: This rationalization is used to excuse misconduct when violating ethical principles so long as no clear and immediate harm is perceived. It treats ethical obligations as simply factors to be considered in decision-making rather than as ground rules.

List of Alternatives

Before making a difficult decision, consider asking yourself the following questions to see if you are on ethical thin ice.

* Does your decision conflict with any of the core ethical values?

* Think of someone whose moral judgment you respect. What would that person do?

* How will your decision affect others?

* Would your decision be perceived as unethical?

Recommendations

I believe that first alternative is more applicable since it test core ethical values; it test how you perceive life al large. Are you Trustworthiness person ;...