SLC 300 (601) Fall 2024 Leading with an Ethical Perspective

A Framework for Ethical Decision Making

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making” is a guide on how to deeper understand ethical decision making. The six lenses give a unique way of framing how to look at ethical issues. The lens helps determine what standards of behavior and character traits can be considered right and good but leaves room for flexibility depending on the specific situation. They are black-and-white rules that allow for gray answers. I think that using the lenses in hand with the steps of the framework for ethical decision-making helps make these difficult decisions simpler. Often when dealing with ethical dilemmas or trying to decipher the specific dilemmas in a case study it is unclear what is right and wrong. Having lens-specific questions makes this process easier. I found the virtue lens specifically interesting. It is associated with the question, “Which option leads me to act as the sort of person I want to be?” I admire how malleable this question is. It can be applied to almost any ethical situation and is extremely personal. No two people are going to have the same answer to this question. Some virtues are trust, honesty, courage, compassion, responsibility, optimism, generosity, tolerance, love, and passion. Virtues are personal and challenge us to be better people by forcing us to reflect and set standards for ourselves. It is the foundation of how you choose to live your life and act towards others. The same ethical decision is going to challenge different virtues in different people. Virtues are part of what makes studying ethical dilemmas so interesting because they are the cause of conflict between people’s ethical priorities.

Mini Analysis 2 Blog Analysis – Whistleblower Lawyer Blog

For the Mini Analysis 2 Blog Analysis, I studied a blog post by Whistleblower Lawyer Blog that detailed a whistleblowing case related to alleged financial falsifications in the Mormon church. I found the case fascinating. The blog post linked to a Wall Street Journal article and a 60 Minutes CBS news report. I was able to watch the 60 Minutes segment on Paramount+. It was very interesting to get to see the manager who blew the whistle on the case and to hear him tell the story. It is interesting to see how David Nielsen had ethical dilemmas in many facets of the case. He was open and honest and explained the ramifications of stepping forward and exposing the Church. He was conflicted between his personal relationship with the church and seeing the wrong that the church’s financial firm was doing. A bishop from the church was also interviewed in the 60 Minutes segment. Hearing his side of the story adds another layer to the case. The interviewer remained extremely neutral and provided information from both sides of the story while trying to clarify details that the Bishop was unclear about. Nielsen also explained to 60 Minutes that he was shunned and shamed for coming forward. This was very similar to the other blog post I read for the mini analysis where another whistleblower shared similar feelings after coming forward. It is very interesting to see that this is a common occurrence when people come forward. Overall I found this blog post to be a launching point that inspired me to find out more while considering ethical frameworks continuously.

Mini Analysis 2 Blog Analysis – Whistleblower Lawyer Blog
https://www.finchmccranie.com/whistleblower-blog/

Video Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mormon-church-ensign-peak-whistleblower-david-nielsen-allegations-60-minutes-2023-05-14/

For the framework mentioned by Santa Clara University, the steps taken to make an ethical decision is similar to the scientific method in my eyes. I believe that identifying the problem equates to seeing the ethical issues involved. this included finding out what is beneficial or what is potentially harmful. Along with see the “good” and “bad,” we also see if there are any legalities or just efficiency. The next step within the scientific method is testing and analyzing a hypothesis. This is similar to the next two steps within guiding ourselves to coming to an ethical decision. As this starts with getting the facts, we can try to do this by seeing the relevant facts along with who the stakeholders are. This goes into a little bit of seeing the ethical implications of a scientific experiment. As sometimes stakeholders can be affected by different experiments in science, it has even more implications within finding ethical decisions. Next is within alternative actions, which starts thinking more into the different types of ethical decision making strategies like the common good, utilitarianism, rights based, etc. We see this through questions like: which option sees people fairly? Which options leads me to be the person I want to be? etc. Finally you can test it and implement it. I think we see many similarities so that the best decisions are made between ethics and science often.

Sources:

Santa Clara University. (n.d.-b). A framework for ethical decision making. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/

The SCCE blog is a trusted resource for corporate governance and compliance professionals committed to enhancing compliance and ethical quality. It achieves this by providing timely updates, training opportunities, and insights into best practices, making it a reliable source for professionals seeking to improve ethical standards within their organizations.

The SCCE blog is valuable, presenting real-life scenarios and case studies that prompt readers to delve into and contemplate ethical dilemmas. By engaging with the content, compliance professionals are empowered to make informed decisions while cultivating an environment of accountability and integrity within their respective organizations. This resource also plays a crucial role in promoting ethical awareness and responsibility, as it is conducive to sharing and discussing with colleagues.

The SCCE blog delves into theoretical frameworks and explains their practical implementation. By providing access to a wealth of resources, including immersive training sessions and conferences, the blog actively fosters the growth of knowing how to make ethical decisions among compliance professionals. This practical approach equips them to navigate intricate choices confidently, thereby upholding their organizations’ integrity.

The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics blog is an indispensable guide for professionals deeply committed to upholding ethical standards in corporate governance. Its integration with the core principles expounded in our module on ethical thinking underscores its pivotal role as a catalyst for fostering ethical decision-making within organizational settings. By providing relevant content and invaluable insights, the SCCE blog actively enriches the discourse surrounding ethical conduct in the corporate sphere.

References

Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved from [SCCE website](https://www.corporatecompliance.org)

The article explains four ethical frameworks for making decisions. First is consequences (utilitarianism), where you choose actions that bring the most good to the most people, even if some might suffer. It’s about maximizing overall happiness. Second is rights and responsibilities, which emphasizes respecting people’s basic rights, like freedom and safety. This approach ensures that no one’s rights are violated, even if it helps others. The third framework, autonomy, focuses on letting people make informed choices for themselves, ensuring they have all the facts and are free from pressure. For instance, in medical ethics, this means allowing patients to decide on their own treatment options after being informed of the risks and benefits. The fourth framework is virtue ethics, which emphasizes personal character and asks, “What kind of person should I be?” Rather than focusing on rules or outcomes, this approach encourages us to develop moral virtues like honesty, kindness, and courage. Actions are ethical if they reflect good character and contribute to personal growth. What makes this article stand out is how it shows that there isn’t a single “right” way to approach ethical dilemmas. Instead, these frameworks are tools that help you see different perspectives. They don’t always lead to the same conclusion; sometimes one framework might suggest an action that conflicts with another. For example, an action might lead to good consequences (like helping many people), but it might violate someone’s rights (like forcing them to do something they don’t want to do).

Sources: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2146-frameworks-for-ethical-analysis

The article “Thinking Ethically” outlines five key approaches to ethical decision-making: utilitarianism, rights, justice, common good, and virtue ethics. Each framework offers different perspectives on how to analyze moral dilemmas. A notable insight is that ethical actions should balance benefits and harm, respect individuals’ rights, promote fairness, enhance the common good, and foster moral virtues. As the article highlights, “the method is merely meant to help identify most of the important ethical considerations,” emphasizing that personal deliberation is still necessary for resolving moral issues. This article stood out because it breaks down complex ethical theories into practical, easy-to-understand steps for real-life decision-making. Instead of presenting ethics as abstract, the article connects them to everyday choices, showing that multiple frameworks, like focusing on the greatest good (utilitarianism) or treating people fairly (justice), can guide us differently. It made me realize that ethical thinking isn’t just about following one rule, but about considering various angles. The importance of virtue ethics, building character through habits.

Source: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/thinking-ethically/

The Becker-Posner Blog, penned by the distinguished economist Gary Becker and the esteemed Judge Richard A. Posner, offers thought-provoking and illuminating discussions at the intersection of economics, law, and ethics. Readers partake in ethical contemplation, fostering introspection on the ethical intricacies of economic and legal matters. The Becker-Posner Blog, penned by economist Gary Becker and Judge Richard A. Posner, presents insightful discussions at the intersection of economics, law, and ethics. Their opinions and posts prompt readers to participate in ethical reasoning by encouraging deep reflection on the moral aspects of economic and legal matters.

The Becker-Posner Blog underscores the significance of considering all citizens’ welfare in policy decisions. The concept is based on ethical principles that prioritize fairness and accountability. Becker and Posner frequently employ utilitarian principles to evaluate the societal impacts of policies, demonstrating consistency with ethical frameworks that consider both the costs and benefits of these policies. The Becker-Posner Blog delves into real-life situations, providing an in-depth analysis of how different ethical frameworks can be applied to guide decision-making. It offers practical, real-world examples to demonstrate the implementation of theoretical concepts in various scenarios.

The Becker-Posner Blog explores how ethical principles can be seamlessly integrated into economic and legal analyses, serving as a cornerstone in nurturing a well-informed and ethically attuned society.

References

Becker, G. S., & Posner, R. A. (n.d.). The Becker-Posner Blog. Retrieved from http://www.becker-posner-blog.com

Thinking Ethically by Velasquez, Andre, Shanks, and Meyer offers a comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making that is relevant to readers from diverse backgrounds. The authors highlight the prevalence of moral dilemmas in our daily lives, resonating with diverse readers by framing ethical issues as integral to our everyday experience, from foreign policy to education. The article underscores the significance of ethical contemplation in personal and societal realms, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on moral dilemmas.

Velasquez, Andre, Shanks, and Meyers stress the crucial nature of the first step, which involves meticulously gathering all pertinent facts. In today’s complex and interconnected world, where the proliferation of misinformation can significantly sway opinions and drive decision-making processes, it is imperative to diligently verify the accuracy of facts before arriving at any conclusions. Nevertheless, the authors also underscore that possessing factual information alone is insufficient. Ethical decision-making transcends the accumulation of data; it necessitates a contemplation of the fundamental values that underpin our actions and choices.

I believe “Thinking Ethically” is a valuable article for individuals confronted with moral quandaries. It’s central focus lies in the examination of different values and the exploration of diverse ethical frameworks. The author’s objective is to cultivate a more contemplative and involved communities by equipping readers with the capacity to discern moral predicaments.

Reference

Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T. S. J., & Meyer, M. J. (n.d.). *Thinking ethically*. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Retrieved from Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

In “Thinking Ethically”” from the Markkula Center of Applied Ethics, I found that there can be multiple strategies to solving ethical problems. When I am combatted with ethical decisions coming up within the next election. This article made me think about different approaches on how to think about the pressing issues facing our country. I think that the majority of people want the best for everyone; the common good. The common good was one of the strategies mentioned, in that society as a whole should decide what kind of place we want to be and how we get there. I think the other strategies try to accomplish the common good approach. I think the utilitarian and rights approach describe our current voters landscape and thought process. Utilitarian describes how we see what would cause the least harm and the largest benefit and we go with that decision regardless. Rights originated from Kant and says that the rights should be up to the individual values. Like privacy, truth and information, etc. With our country’s emphasis on individual rights, I think this is how we go about our problems but also why there is often stalemates in policy. But, moving towards a better fairness or justice approach, in which our country is built on, will be the best for everyone in my opinion.

Sources:
Santa Clara University. (n.d.). Thinking ethically. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/thinking-ethically/

The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University has developed a new structured approach to analyzing and making ethical decisions. This guide addresses ethics in personal, organizational, and societal contexts. Contributors, including Manuel Velasquez and Dennis Moberg, discuss how ethics goes beyond individual actions to creating ethical communities, businesses, and governments.

They emphasize that ethics involves standards and practices guiding human behavior in various roles, such as friends, family members, professionals, or citizens. This broad approach highlights the universality of ethical principles while recognizing the unique challenges of different social roles. Including character as a fundamental component of ethics is particularly insightful, underscoring that ethical behavior is about following rules and nurturing traits that promote ethical actions.

This new collaborative development involves dialogue and debate, reflecting ethics’ dynamic and evolving nature. It’s important to note that the framework was last revised in 2021, showing a commitment to keeping ethical discussions relevant to contemporary issues.

In my opinion, this development is valuable for individuals and organizations seeking to comprehend and apply ethical principles across diverse domains. It offers a structured yet flexible ethical approach, empowering users to tailor it to their contexts. By fostering ethical awareness and action, this framework significantly contributes to the goal of creating more ethical societies.

References

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. (2021). *A framework for thinking ethically*. Santa Clara University.