For my 12th DEJ post, I chose reference and analyze Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations: An Issue-Contingent Model by Thomas M. Jones. This article highlights three various definitions related to ethics and ethical decision making. The first is surrounding moral issues which are present when an individuals choices affects others in either a positive or negative way. The second is a moral agent which is defined as a personal who makes the moral decisions but often doesn’t realize moral issues are at hand. Finally, the third definition discussed surrounds ethical decisions which are decisions that are ethically and morally acceptable to the larger community/group of individuals affected. These three definitions align with the ethical frameworks and value based leadership which we have discussed in this course. When considering ethical decisions made by individuals in organizations, these three definitions are helpful in guiding that through process especially at the organizational level. One experience that I have seen these definitions put into practice was with my internship experience. Within this experience, I saw the CEO lead the team through a trying time of layoffs and down turn in business. The CEO used these ethical principles and definitions to guide the company through a difficult time while making the most ethical decisions about the future of the company and employees livelihood. The CEO had to make moral decisions that were affecting various groups of people in either positive or negative ways and he would be considered the moral agent in this ethical decision making. He overall did a great job and was a great example of proper ethical leadership.

Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations: An Issue-Contingent Model

Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations: An Issue-Contingent Model on JSTOR