Test

Chapter 3 ETHICAL DILEMMA – teaching notes

THE PURPOSE OF THE ETHICAL DILEMMAS IS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP THEIR AWARENESS OF ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE AND THE MANAGERIAL CHALLENGES THEY PRESENT. THE DILEMMAS ARE SET UP TO PRESENT SITUATIONS IN WHICH THERE IS NO CLEAR ETHICAL CHOICE. THE GOAL FOR THE INSTRUCTOR IS TO GUIDE STUDENTS THROUGH THE PROCESS OF ANALYZING THE SITUATION AND EXAMINING POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS. THERE ARE NO “RIGHT” ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS AT THE END OF EACH SCENARIO, ONLY OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE GENERATION AND GENERATE DISCUSSION OF THE APPROPRIATENESS OF EACH ALTERNATIVE. THE STUDENT PORTION OF THE ACTIVITY IS ON A HANDOUT AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER.

In order to address the Ethical Dilemmas, a brief discussion of the referenced ethical theories is necessary.

Rule-Based or Utilitarian Ethical Theory

Utilitarian theory was first formulated in the eighteenth century by Jeremy Bentham and later refined by John Stuart Mill. Utilitarians look beyond self-interest to consider impartially the interests of all persons affected by an action. The theory emphasizes consequences of an action on the stakeholders. The stakeholders are those parties affected by the outcome of an action. Utilitarians recognize that trade-offs exist in decision making. Utilitarian theory is concerned with making decisions that maximize net benefits and minimize overall harms for all stakeholders. It is similar to cost-benefit analysis decision making. The ultimate rule to follow is the “Greatest Good for the Greatest Number.”

Virtue-Based Ethical Theory

Virtue theory dates back to the ancient Greek philosophers, especially Plato and Aristotle. Judgment is exercised not through a set of rules, but as a result of possessing those dispositions or virtues that enable choices to be made about what is good and holding in check desires for something other than what will help to achieve this goal. Thus, virtue-based...