Assignment task:
Select one of the scenarios and look at the answers to that scenario from all of your group members. Write a new post (300 - 500. words maximum) in the link below addressing the following questions - note that the response is not just to one group member, but to the group overall:
What are some similarities between your group members' answers overall?
What are some differences between your group members' answers overall?
What are some similarities between your answer and your group members' answers overall?
What are some differences between your answer and your group members' answers overall?
What advice would you offer to your group members about how to handle the scenario?
What ethical theory from Chapter 15 (9th ed.) would support this advice? Please select from deontological, virtue-based, or one of the teleological theories.
Note that I need at least one APA. Formatted in-text citation and one reference from the textbook
Read: Ethics under pressure scenarios
Textbook Chapter 15 - Leadership and Ethics
Scenario A:
Possible choices include accepting the offer to take extra time for lunch or rejecting it. The right choice, from an ethical standpoint, would be to reject the offer as it involves dishonesty and violates company policies. Accepting the offer may lead to negative consequences such as eroding trust within the team and setting a precedent for unethical behavior. By rejecting the offer, one upholds integrity and demonstrates a commitment to ethical conduct. This decision may also prevent potential embarrassment if others were to find out about the dishonest behaviour. The ethical theory guiding this decision could be deontological ethics, particularly Kantian ethics, which emphasizes the importance of moral rules and duty(Northouse, 2022). Kant would argue that lying or deceiving in this situation would be morally wrong, regardless of the consequences.
Scenario B:
In Scenario B, the possible choices include fabricating volunteer experiences for the friend or refusing to assist in deception. Fabricating experiences may seem advantageous for the friend in securing the co-op position, but it involves dishonesty and undermines the integrity of the hiring process. Refusing to assist in deception upholds principles of honesty and integrity, even though it may result in the friend not getting the position. The consequences of fabricating experiences may lead to feelings of guilt and could damage the friend's reputation if the deception is uncovered. By refusing to participate in deception, one fulfills a moral duty to act honestly and ethically. This decision aligns with virtue ethics, emphasizing the development of moral character traits such as honesty and integrity. Aristotle would argue that acting virtuously leads to eudaimonia, or human flourishing, which is the ultimate goal of ethical living.
Scenario C:
In Scenario C, the choices involve either assisting the friend in cheating by providing a cheat sheet or refusing to participate in academic dishonesty. Providing the cheat sheet may seem beneficial in helping the friend pass the exam, but it undermines the integrity of the educational system and devalues the efforts of honest students. Refusing to assist in cheating upholds principles of academic honesty and fairness, even though it may result in the friend failing the course. Negative consequences of providing the cheat sheet may include feelings of guilt, academic penalties if discovered, and damage to personal integrity. By refusing to participate in cheating, one fulfills a moral obligation to uphold academic integrity and promote fairness. This decision could be guided by teleological ethics, specifically utilitarianism, which considers the long-term consequences and overall happiness of all affected parties (Northouse, 2022). In this case, refusing to cheat aligns with the principle of maximizing long-term good by preserving the integrity of the educational system.
In conclusion, ethical decision-making in each scenario involves considering the possible choices, consequences, and ethical theories. Upholding principles of integrity, honesty, and fairness guides the decision-making process; ensuring actions align with moral standards and contribute to overall ethical conduct.
Reference:
Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.