Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks: Ethical Dilemma Case Studies

Category : Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks en | Sub Category : Ethical Dilemma Case Studies Posted on 2023-07-07 21:24:53

Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks: Ethical Dilemma Case Studies

Ethical decision-making is crucial in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, business dealings, and professional practices. When faced with ethical dilemmas, having a structured framework to guide decision-making can be invaluable. In this blog post, we will explore some ethical dilemma case studies and the ethical decision-making frameworks that can be applied to them.

Case Study 1: The Whistleblower

Imagine you work for a company that you discover is engaging in fraudulent practices that could harm consumers. You are torn between loyalty to your employer and the moral obligation to report the wrongdoing. What should you do?

Ethical Decision-Making Framework: One framework that can help in this situation is the Utilitarian approach, which focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. By blowing the whistle, you may prevent harm to consumers and uphold ethical standards, outweighing any potential negative consequences for the company.

Case Study 2: The Conflicting Interests

You are a project manager overseeing a construction project for a client. The client asks you to cut corners to save costs, compromising the safety and quality of the project. However, your job is on the line if you refuse. What should you do?

Ethical Decision-Making Framework: The Deontological approach, which emphasizes following moral duties and principles, can help in this scenario. By refusing to compromise on safety and quality, you uphold your professional integrity and adhere to ethical standards, even if it means risking your job.

Case Study 3: The Insider Trading

You work in a financial firm and have access to confidential information that could potentially be used for insider trading. A colleague suggests that you use this information to make a significant profit in the stock market. What should you do?

Ethical Decision-Making Framework: The Virtue Ethics approach, which focuses on developing moral character traits, can guide your decision. By refusing to engage in insider trading and choosing honesty and integrity, you uphold ethical values and demonstrate virtuous behavior.

In conclusion, ethical decision-making frameworks provide valuable guidance when facing ethical dilemmas. By considering approaches such as Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics, individuals can navigate complex situations with integrity and moral responsibility. It is essential to reflect on the consequences of actions, uphold moral duties, and cultivate virtuous character traits to make ethical decisions that align with one's values and principles.