Unit 03

ETHICAL DILEMMA
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Ethics is a terminology that focuses and covers on the study of the nature of
morals and behaviours.
An ethical dilemma is a broad term which occurs when someone chosen
different conflicting steps and actions. Most of the decisions provide clear
answer for what is right and what is wrong. To solve it, we have to choose the
alternative that avoids obviously unethical or illegal behavior.
There are four different ethical dilemma principles followed in the
business environment:
1. xxxx
2. xxxx
3. xxxx
4. xxxx

3.1.1 General Definitions of Ethical Dilemma:

In general, an ethical dilemma is an intricate circumstance a person (business)
faces in which a decision must be made about the enough action to be taken.
A dilemma may derive from the conflict between the rightness and wrongness
of the actions and the goodness or badness of the consequences of the actions.

An ethical dilemma is an inconsistency that comes up with two or more

options, but neither of them is the best ethical or moral option. False accounting,
sexual harassment, data privacy, nepotism, discrimination.

In terms of philosophy, Ethical dilemmas also called as ethical paradoxes

or moral dilemmas. These are situations in which an agent stands under two (or
more) conflicting moral requirements, none of which overrides the other.
A decent dilemma is a right condition which can choose between two
equally undesirable alternatives. The moral conflicts may arise out of various
3.2 Professional Ethics

sources of behaviour or attitude. It may arise due to the conflict of personal

characters, organizational goals, and social values, etc.
An ethical paradox or moral dilemma is a problem in the decision-making
process between two possible choices which is right or wrong. Although we
face many moral and ethical struggles in our lives, most of them we face from
uncomplicated solutions. But the ethical paradoxes are extremely complicated
challenges that cannot be easily solved if a optimal solution is not find out to
handle such situations.
In almost every aspect of life, an individual may come across an ethical
paradox, including personal confusions, social and professional conflicts.

Table 3.1

Ethical Dilemma
Explanation
Paradigms
Truth vs. loyalty Truth provides the real and correct information about
something while loyalty explains doing or saying
something to please the receiver.
Short-term vs. Short-term concerns are defined by the satisfaction of
long-term current needs to preserve the possibility of a future. Long-
term concerns are associated to the projection of future
interests which can able to meet future required needs.
Individual vs. Individualism explains the rights of a person must be
community preserved. Social concern automatically emerges when
every individual concentrate on his own interests.
Community means that the needs of the community prevail
over individual interests.
Justice vs. mercy. Situations where justice conflicts with mercy often stem
from the need to deal with a wrongdoing, such as fraud or
theft. Instead, this ethical dilemma focuses on managing
the consequences or punishment of the misconduct.

3.1.2 Ethical Paradoxes in Business

When an organizational decision maker meets a choice between two or more
options, a business dilemma exists. This dilemma will have various impacts on
i. The organization’s profitability and competitiveness; and
ii. Its stakeholders.
Ethical Dilemma 3.3

One must act out of prudence to take a better decision even though many
of these ethical choices involve conflicts...
Ethical dilemmas are especially noteworthy in professional life. They
are significant recurrently occur in the companies and organizations. Some
Business companies and professional organizations (e.g., CFA) may follow
some business standards of their own companies and violation of these
standards may lead to disciplinary sanctions. They always stick on to their
own codes of conduct and ethical standards to attain more profit.
Almost every aspect of professional setting which is not following the
rules of the company can generate a possible ground for ethical dilemmas. If
the relationships with co-workers, management, clients, and business partners
are not genuine relationships then there will be ethical dilemma.
People’s inability to determine the optimal solution to such dilemmas
in a company may result serious consequences and it may be common in
companies. These violations may affect the values of benefits and profits.
In order to solve problems arises related to ethical norms, companies
and organizations should develop their ethical standards for their employees.
Every company must solve its ethical problems by following ethical standards
very carefully. In addition, companies may provide ethical training experiences
for their employees.

3.1.3 Ethical dilemma and its causes

These are situations in which there is a right choice and a wrong choice.
They’re moral dilemmas because they cause to think about ethical principles
and decide what the right action is.
To identify that something is wrong, three criteria must be considered.
These are
G The destruction and deviations of the law
G A different approach from the truth
G Violation from moral righteousness.
Some examples of ethical dilemma include:
F Taking credit for others’ work
F Offering a client a worse product for your own profit
F Utilizing inside knowledge for one’s own profit
3.4 Professional Ethics

F following the truth versus being loyal to a person

F following the laws or rules versus having sympathy for an individual’s
dilemma
F Impact on an individual versus larger concerns about the community.

3.2 SOURCES OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOR

There are many ethical principles followed in workplaces and they
are beneficence, nonmaleficence, sovereignty, and integrity. The Business
Ethical norms refer to the system wherein what is right and wrong, just and
unjust, good or evil. In general, the “ethics” means a sense of what is fair and
acceptable to the society.

3.2.1 Five Sources of Ethical Standards

1. The Utilitarian Approach: Assessing the net benefits of an action
based on its consequences or outcomes. It strives to attain the greatest
good benefits for the stakeholders and the individual employees.
2. The Rights Approach: Other philosophers suggest that the ethical
action is the one that best protects and respects the moral rights of those
affected.
3. The Fairness or Justice Approach: It tells that all individuals should
be treated equally and ethical actions treat all human beings equally.
4. The Common Good Approach: Assumes a community whose own
good is inextricably linked to the good of the society. The society
members are bound by the hunt of common values and goals.
5. The Virtue Approach: Forces to pay attention to the contours of
our communities. It urges the habits of character the community can
encourage and inculcate. The moral life, then, is not simply a matter of
following moral rules. It is learning process to apply the ethical laws to
specific situations.

3.2.2 Sources of Ethical Behaviour in Business

Every Business community mainly follows three sources of business ethics
such as
i. Religious conviction,
ii. Civilization and traditions
iii. Commandments.
Ethical Dilemma 3.5

The HR manager and managing directors in every organisation are

responsible to frame all the rules and regulations. The overall employees of the
company have to follow them. Moreover they must be strict enough to develop
the sources of ethics in their work area.

1. Religious conviction:
Religion is the oldest source of ethical inspiration and every common religion
creates and develops its own code of conduct. There is almost 1, 00,000
religions which are followed by many people around the whole world. All
these religions have framed their own fundamental principles to follow. Every
religion tries to provide their followers what is evil and what is good. Specific
code of ethics is followed both in work environments and other activities of
life circumstances.
All the religions are focusing on the main principles of mutuality and
reciprocity towards human beings. Great religions sermonize the necessity of
the code of conduct, code of ethics for an ethically sound social system. Every
religion develops its own rules and regulations to emphasize upon the social
responsibilities with an objective to contribute to the general welfare.

2. Civilization and Traditions:

According to teachings of customs and cultures, the culture is referred to
the set of important understandings and standards commonly shared by the
members of a community. The standards of every civilization have a basic set
of values, ideas, perceptions, ethics, and preferences. Also it consists of the
concepts of morality, practices, habits, traditions and code of conducts etc. It
creates and syntheses uniqueness among human groups. It typically refers to
the development pattern of knowledge, ideology, values, laws, social norms
and day to day rituals in a society.
The civilization may differ from society to society purely based on the
period of development in the community. It is passed from creation to creation
and varies from production to production. It facilitates the production of
commitment in the customs of the society.
The way of life motivates the individual’s of the business environment and
industrial enterprises to give more priority to organizational goals.. In addition,
it also serves a sense making and control mechanism depending upon their
personal interests. It guides and shapes the attitudes and behaviour of people.
Industrial Managers have to run a company based on the cultural experience.
3.6 Professional Ethics

3. Commandments:
The Law and legal system of any country guides and enforces the human
behaviour in the society. The Rules and regulations of ethics define the binding
on the society. The society expects every business to abide by the standards
of ethics. Although it is expected that every business should be law abiding,
seldom do the businesses adhere to the rules and regulations. Law breaking in
business is common e.g. Tax elusion, advertisement, adulteration, poor quality
& high priced products, environment pollution etc.

3.2.3 Significant standards of Business Ethics:

1. Corresponds to fundamental Needs of Human beings:

Every human being is willing to be a part of the organisation which perceives
to be ethical. They are all being proud of social responsible organisation. They
will respect the environment in which ethical norms are crucial. Because,
everybody likes to be associated with an organisation that is respected by the
society. The HR managers have to fulfil the basic needs of the employees who
are all part of an ethical organisation. The basic and fundamental requirements
of the employees always induce the organizations to be ethically oriented.

2. Reliability in the community

An organisation which creates credibility in the public eye is the organisations
that are all following Ethical values. People will show their interest towards
the company if they believe that the company is honest. Definitely they like to
buy the product of the same company. The public will respect the organization
which offers value for money and gives reasonable discounts for their products.
The cola companies are spending huge sums of money on the advertisements
now-a-days to try to convince the public that their products are safe and free
from pesticides of any kind.

3. Integrity of the Employees and Managers:

The employees will be happy when they are convinced of the ethical values
of the organisation, in which they are working for. They may feel proud about
the organisation in high esteem when the ethical laws are favourable to the
society. This kind of attitude creates common goals, values and language in
the work place and the employees they them self involve in the achievements
of the company. Moreover the HR managers will have authority over the
employees just because the organisation has creditability in the eyes of the
Ethical Dilemma 3.7

public. Perceived social uprightness and moral values can win the employees
more than any other incentive plans and good salary.

4. Enhanced Decision making process:

The important norms of a ethical organization will strength a management
to take various economic, social and ethical aspects into consideration and it
helps to take better decisions. Decision making process will benefit best ideas
if the decisions are made with the interest of the public and employees. It may
lead the company’s own long term well.

5. Productivity and Profitability:

Being ethical and following moral behaviours for the organisation does not
mean that they are not giving more importance to make profits. Definitely
every organisation which follows the code of ethics may provide more profits.
Even though ethical companies may lose some money instead of profitable
outcomes, they may be successful and more profitable in the long run.

6. Safety and Security needs of Society:

Since the government will not regulate the activities that are harmful to the
society, ethics can protect the society in a better way than even the legal system
of the country. Sometimes the laws of the country may attain failures. But
ethics of the country always succeed and it always provides rules which are
good to the society. It is true if a Industrial manager, who is following ethical
principles can guide agitated workers..

Table 3.2

Code of Ethics Explanation

Truthfulness Maintain the quality of being honesty and clear

communication in the workplace and also having strong
moral principles.
Collaboration Work together to get the job completed successfully.

Objectivity lack of favouritism toward one side or another

Privacy Always make the clients and customers confidence and

improve it.
Augmentation Pursue professional growth at all times.
and Growth
3.8 Professional Ethics

3.3 CODE OF PERSONAL ETHICS FOR EMPLOYEES

Honourable and respectful organisation gives more importance to adding
diversity, green practices, and proper dress codes in the business environment.
Generally, a code of ethics should include the six universal moral values, that
is an employee to be
G Trustworthy and Honest
G courteous and respectful
G Dependable and responsible
G Fair and Just
G Kind, and
G Good citizens.

3.3.1 Image Credits of an individual

To govern an individual’s decision-making process, a set of principles and rules
are to be followed individuals in an organization. This code of ethics is also
used to distinguish right from wrong. It’s every individual’s responsibility to
provide a general idea for ethical norms in their work place. However, people
can have their own personal code of policies.

3.3.2 Specialized Codes of Ethics for professionals

Several professions have separate code of ethics to be followed depending
upon their employment. For instance, a doctor or Engineer is always bound by
the code of ethics for their profession. The code of ethics for each and every
professional is regardless of whether they work for a large organization or are
in private workplace. These principles fulfil the basic expectations of the job
environments and also it guides them when making decisions.

3.3.3 The Barristers Profession

Legal professionals or Lawyers, Legal assistants and other employees of the
attorneys are to follow a common governing ethics. Few of this general code
of principles are as stated below:
F Confidentiality and Privacy – It’s every Lawyer’s responsibility to
maintain their clients’ Secrecy at all times.
F Competence and Proficiency- Every Legal professionals are correspond
to their customers with a required level of competence.
Ethical Dilemma 3.9

F Courteousness: The Barristers must work with their co-workers with

fairness and have to treat them with legal professional courtesy.

3.3.4 The Health Vocation

Every medical Association frames their own code of ethics on physicians.
It imposes mainly on interpersonal relationships with other co-workers. It
addresses important information on patient care.
F Trust and Reliability – The medical professionals are expected to
inculcate a sense of trust between themselves and their patients.
F Does No Harm – The General Physicians should not harm or hurt their
patients in any way.
F Confidentiality or Privacy - Doctors are advised not to share the
medical history of their patients without their permission.

3.3.5 The Corporate World

Business Corporations have to develop codes of ethics which are necessary
to follow when dealing their customers and clients. It must explain certain
behaviours which are appropriate and acceptable when dealing the outside
agencies. Many organizations insist their employees to attend yearly hands-on
experiences on ethics. Some companies are requesting the sign statements from
their employees which contains all ethical guidelines laid out by the company.
Relationship of a project manager with code of ethics:
A Higher official must follow both professional conduct and code of disciplines.
Because it is important to help organization members to take decisions that are
in line with company values. The members of the companies may work well
even though there is no direct supervision. The norms of code of ethics can
improve decision-making process at a business. It makes every individual to
work as a autonomous person.
Examples of business world ethical guidelines include:
1. Integrity and Truthfulness - Employees who are all have clear
communication in their workplace will be honest.
2. Team Spirit- The Harmony and unity is a very important character
to be followed by every Members of a professional in an organization.
They all should work together to get the job fruitful and successful.
3.10 Professional Ethics

3. Neutrality – The objectivity and impartiality is the required guideline

for every employer in the company. They should not make decisions
based on whom they like most or with whom they are their beloved
friends.
A Business Code of Discipline is an official document that is framed by
the higher officials. It clearly states how employees of a company should
behave in the work area on a day-to-day basis.

i. Alphabet - Employees of Alphabet and its subsidiaries must follow

the right standards. The controlled affiliates always must do the right
thing. They should be very loyal and honest to follow the law. Also
they should take care of their colleagues with courtesy and respect.
ii. Hershey – In every business relationship and every transaction, one
must be Hershey. No matter what job is done by the individual or where
they are doing it. They should always think about that as they are watch
over. In every product, the actions must reflect the code values.
iii. Starbucks - Starbucks empowers all business partners to take good
decisions that increases and impacts the company’s reputation.
Every action at work environment may shape how the world views
Starbucks. It is important to take responsibility for the company’s
Starbucks Mission. One has to act ethically according to Starbucks in
all situations.

3.3.6 Educational Careers

Educators and Masters of institutions are acting as role models to their
students. Their teachings not only protect their students against illegal acts and
mischievous attitudes also they make them to be a good citizen of the country.
Some code of ethics examples in education include:
1. Concern – First of all the teachers should consider the requirements of
their students.
2. Augmentation – Education Professional need to give more importance
for their professional growth.
3. Educational Communication - Teachers must support the parents of
each and every student effectively.
Ethical Dilemma 3.11

3.3.7 Individual Codes of Principles

Personal codes of norms mainly originate from their parents and religions.
The secular philosophy or rules of every society is in line with the upbringing
experiences of each religion. They are derived from rest of one’s society. But
one may act as a strict follower or a more relaxed person.

3.3.8 Ethical norms for the community

Every society is expected to follow certain code of expectations and it is
assumed as a good community when it follows certain morals and values
regardless of religion, geographic location or nationality. The classic examples
of societal ethical golden rules include:
F Deference - Citizens must respect another person’s feelings, choices in
the community. They should honour everyone’s lives.
F Trustworthiness - People should be loyal to another individual in the
society and they should have openness as their best quality.
F Integrity – Every citizen must be honest and truthful to community.

3.3.9 Religious based Ethical Expectations

Certain religions apply some codes of rules only to members of selected
community and only those groups of people will follow it. They are framed
authorities and members of that religion but based on moral values of life. For
example the religious codes of ethics may include
F Ten Commandments codes of Judaism,
F The Beatitudes and preaching of Christianity,
F The Noble rules of five Pillars of Islam, and
F The gracious teachings of Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
Some shared ethics in these religions include:
G Moral Values of Human being regarding Life - Do not kill your
human neighbour.
G Practise Peace in the society- Avoid mistreatments, agitations and
violence when possible.
G Stealing is prohibited one - One should not have the intent to steal the
things that doesn’t belong to them or another’s property through action,
speech, and thoughts.
3.12 Professional Ethics

3.3.10. Distinguish Ethical Guidelines with code of Conduct.

An ethical Expectation is a broad terminology to give a common idea about
behavioural attitudes encouraged at a business. It provides general idea to make
decisions that are acceptable by an organization. A code of conduct explains
the members to take actions taken to respond to certain specific situations.
A code of ethics, or professional code of ethics, is usually a set of general
guidelines or values. A code of conduct policy is typically more specific, giving
guidelines for how to respond in certain situations. Prohibiting, uncomplaining
or contributing bribes is an correct example of code of ethics
Classification: Codes of ethics.
F Guidelines to clients and customers.
F Ethical Expectations to the public.
F Moral duties to the company.
Inclusions in Ethical norms.
Always the Ethical regulations depend on your Organizational business policy
standards and industry formulas. Ethical or Moral values helps humans to
follow ethical behaviour in the work environments and organisations. Any
employee or group of employees needs to make a decision for a critical
problem; they can refer back to the previous documents of ethical guidelines.
The History of code of ethics is used to inculcate and communicate moral
values in every new employee.
However, many Companies are involved to establish ethical guidelines;
almost it depends on the business environment. It varies from organisations to
organisations.
Since there is significant overlap between company’s code of conduct
and code of ethics, many of the organisations will combine both of them into
one. There are no two separate policies and standards followed in some of
the companies. Even though they are technically different documents, it has
to be maintained in the single document book. Since code of ethics and code
of conduct is in the same single document to refer, employees will have less
difficulty to recall the important points.

3.4 RESOLVING ETHICAL PROBLEMS

Identifying the conflicting issues is an initial step to resolve an ethical conflict.
To recognize the patterns of ethical conflicts, every stakeholder who are all
Ethical Dilemma 3.13

involved in the business have to be considered. The ethics of dispute resolution

are the rules and codes of behaviour by which acceptable practice is defined.
Both rules and codes of practice vary according to the subject matter of the
dispute, the type of process that is being used, the role of the person governed
by the rule or code, and the location (or culture).

3.4.1. Counter steps to resolve Ethical Issues:

1. Recognize the problem patterns.
2. Collect the relevant data.
3. Follow regulatory requirements to identify whether the problem is a
regulatory issue or a process related issue.
4. Compare the current issue to the previous specific rule and determine
whether the Code of Ethics rules can be applied to the problem to get it
to be solved.
5. Enquire who has the power and control the issues.
6. Categorize all the controlling authorities of the situations..
7. Recognize the resources which can be a supervisor, director, or colleague.
Clarify it with the people who faced the same problems.
8. Create a list of possible actions towards positive and negative
consequences.
9. State the requirements of the regulations to defend it professionally and
ethically.
10. Take necessary actions to evaluate the plan.

In a business environment, the higher authorities are tested during the

interviews, whether they have the capability to face the challenges of resolving
ethical dilemmas Eventhough certain situations do not fall in the admin
procedures or in the official code of conduct, it is required when a higher
official is recruited.

One single decision which is taken by a manager may affects lots of

other decisions in the business setting. Number of initiatives is taken by the
manager to resolve ethical issues. Though there are no specific golden rules are
followed in general to resolve ethical issues, managers have full authority and
responsibility to solve the ethical problems.
3.14 Professional Ethics

Know the Principles

To resolve ethical issues in a business environment, three basic principles
are to be followed. These three ethical rules took part a main role in decision
making process
F Intuitionism and discernment,
F Righteous idealism and virtuous generosity
F Utilitarianism and pragmatic
In the principle of intuitionism, the HR or the manager must be competent
enough to understand the problems. They should be capable to know about
the seriousness of the situation. They must have knowledge about it and they
should know how to act accordingly. The final decision have to be taken as if
does not bring any harm to any person involved directly or indirectly.
The principle of virtuous idealism provides a clear distinction between
good and bad. It distinguishes between what is acceptable and what is not. The
righteous idealism concerns to abide by the rule of law without any exception.
Utilitarianism is the mechanism which concerns itself with the results
or the implications. In this case, there is no clear variation between what is
good and what is bad but the focus of it is on the results and the problems.
Sometimes certain situations are not acceptable in some work areas and some
of the circumstances are acceptable in some places. It is highly depend on the
satisfaction and happiness of the organization.
Debate Moral Decisions
Before taking a decision on moral choice, it should be analysed and it must not
be accepted blindly. Ethical choices provide good idea to make hypothetical
situations. It helps to develop case studies. It engages others in brainstorming
upon the same. This debate throws some light into the unknown aspects and
widens the horizon of understanding. This kind of process gives rational
decision making.
Balance Sheet Methodology
The higher officials prepare this kind of approach to write down the pros and
cons of the each and every decision. This clear picture of things exhibits the
rights and wrongs of decision making process. Also it is used to organize the
things in a better way. From this approach the good and bad of decision making
process can be observed easily.
Ethical Dilemma 3.15

Ethical Decision Making and Strategic Management

Following Perfection in ethical decision making process is impossible.
Morality for a perennial debate is also a difficult process. If the ethical decision
making process is combined and integrated with strategic management of
the organization then it may provide better outcomes and benefits for the
organization. The view of HR manager brings better clarity to resolve ethical
dilemmas. All these steps and choices of the manager gain an alternate
perspective rather than the traditional employee or stakeholder.
Solving ethical issues
When facing an ethical problem in an organization, it is important to
remember that the solution of these problems in line with the correct decision
making process. The following information is intended as a guide to assist in
making ethically responsible decisions.
Based on ethical aspects of a decision, a good Professional decision
framework is constructed. A special framework is required to explore the
ethical aspects of a decision.
To explore ethical dilemmas and identify ethical courses of action, a
special set of worksheet is to be framed. The standards of Ethical Deliberation
have also been developed for advisers.

3.4.2 Construction of framework for Ethical decision-making

The steps in the ethical decision-making process are depicted as given in
the flow diagram which is drawn below. Initially an Ethical query is asked
to understand the problems The plan is prepared to take the actions and to
understand the consequences. Various choices can be made to give the
explanation. Corresponding action has to be provided to reflect the outputs.
3.16 Professional Ethics

Fig. 3.1

3.4.3 Recognising Moral queries:

F The preliminary step requires to think about how one should act
according to the given situation
F Next step lies on the situation and/or a decision that is made, which
could be potentially damaging to a client or a stakeholder
F Another step involves in selecting a choice between a good and a bad
outcome

3.4.4 Factual knowledge matters of the situation:

G By making enquiries and finding additional facts, the situation can be
understood and one may acquire the best possible understanding of the
situation.
G Getting more knowledge and understanding the available options.
G Identifying and understanding each available criteria
G Accounting on any legislative requirements, professional standards
(such as the Code), immigration law and instructions, as these may
influence some of the options.
Ethical Dilemma 3.17

3.4.5 Long-lasting repercussions of the options:

G The consequences must be observed how it may affect different persons
by each option - these persons can include the client, stakeholders,
employer, advisers within the working environments
G Aware of overriding duty to act in the lawful and legitimate interests of
the client
G Some searching questions may be raised, for example:
• Whether any selected choice will produce the most good for the client
even if it will upset another person
• Whether the choice may cause discomfort or loss?
• Whether one person is acting to adverse the client’s interests in any
way?
• In case, the selected choice may harm someone else or go against
one’s own personal beliefs or ethics?
• If the option damage the client’s interests or it will reduce or prevent
harm to another person or institution?

3.4.6 Effects of the selected Preferences:

F Try to collect all the possible effects of preferences
F To review the alternatives, it is required to ask the following questions:
F Feeling uncomfortable with what is about to do?
F If so, why it is uncomfortable about this option?
F Why this decision is made?
F If this is done, everyone will be happy?
F Would everyone be happy explaining this to different parties?
F In case, any discrepancy may result with the client or another party ?
F Any person may find it difficult to understand?
F Is it possible to justify the actions in a logical and straightforward
manner ?
F Whether any maintenance of excellent records that note the essentials of
what the issue was and how to resolve it?.

3.4.7 Follow ups on the chosen alternatives:

G It tells how decisions are implemented
3.18 Professional Ethics

G It explains what are the actions to be taken.

G Testing on the outcomes
G It requires to assess how the decisions are turned out and what is learnt
from this specific situation

3.4.8 Crucial Points to be noted for Ethical Problem-Solving

1. Determine & Control
Self determination of conflict of values, or rights, or professional responsibilities
is to be documented and analysed

2. Identify & Recognize

It involves identifying key values and principles about confidential information.

3. Rank & Mark

It requires the competing values or ethical principles in the professional
judgment which are most relevant to the issue or dilemma. What reasons can
be provided for prioritizing one competing value/principle over another?

4. Plan & Develop

Consistent action plan with the ethical priorities that have been determined
as central to the dilemma have to be prepared. The potential risks and
consequences of alternative courses of action have to be discussed with clients
and colleagues when it is needed.

5. Practice & Implement

Utilizing the most appropriate practice skills and competencies is necessary.
The core social work skills such as sensitive communication, skillful
negotiation, and cultural competence have to be practiced

6. Reflect & Evaluate

This talks about the outcome of this ethical decision making process. How it
can be evaluated? How the consequences of this process may affect Client(s),
professional(s), and agency (ies)? Whether further professional training
is given? Whether ethics consultation process is implemented through the
development of Ethics review Committees?
3.5 STEPS TO SETTLE DOWN ETHICAL DILEMMA
It is unpleasant if an ethical dilemma exists in the work place. Sometimes it may
occur from unethical behaviour, such as discrimination, sexual harassment,
Ethical Dilemma 3.19

or bullying in workplace. If it is seen, any manager or co-worker behave

unethically immediate reaction may be to blow the whistle on the behaviour.
Sometimes a manager or client may ask to do something unethical. Then this
kind of situation is an ethical dilemma.
Throughout the history of humanity, an ethical dilemma may not arise
with a noticeable solution that would comply with ethics and norms. Many
people may face this type of challenges and dilemmas. They should know how
to overcome it and the philosophers often aimed and worked to find solutions.
While recruiting mangers, they are put to test how they will act when they
face the challenge of an ethical dilemma. In the Business setting, often certain
situations do not fall in the ambit of procedures. The official code of conduct
may not help how to resolve some kind of ethical dilemma. one single decision
taken by the higher official may affect another set decisions. The initiatives
must be taken properly to strike a balance to ensure a win-win situation. In
some working environment if there are no golden rules to resolve ethical
issues, it is manager’s responsibility to take a number of keys to resolve ethical
issues.
The deduced approaches to solve an ethical dilemma were as discussed
below:
i. Contradiction and paradoxes: The Contradictories and refutes
must be carefully observed and analyzed. The existence of the Moral
confusions can be logically refuted.
ii. Value based approach: According to this theory, an alternative
solution is selected that offers greater good or lesser evil.
iii. Find Common alternative methodologies: To find an alternative
solution, the problems can be reconsidered and it has to be checked
whether it may solve conflicts and confusions.
All the above theories may work out with the following possible sequences
• Diagnose and identify the problem or dilemma Also gather facts of
the situation.
• Recognize the potential issues and define the ethical issues involved
• Identify the affected parties (worker, stakeholders or manager). Also
Find and review the relevant ethical codes
• Have knowledge about the applicable laws, regulations and integrity
3.20 Professional Ethics

• Try to obtain consultation from the previous histories

• Consider and implement possible and probable course of action. Also
think about potential actions creatively
• Enumerate and observe the consequences and obligations of various
decisions
Framework of ethical dilemma approach
The standards or framework of every ethical problem need some considerations
as given below.
G The standards to solve the problems of Ethical Decision making process
may include the following steps: After recognizing the Ethical Issue the
Facts are to be collected. An alternative action must be evaluated and
tested. The Outcome or result is observed from it.
G While determining whether there is an ethical issue or/and dilemma,
it is necessary to find the existence of conflicts of values, rights, or
professional responsibilities.
G Identify meanings and limitations of the key values and principles
involved.
G A professional judgement document has to be prepared by ranking
these values or ethical principles which are most relevant to the issue or
dilemma.
G The proper reasons and explanations has to be provided for prioritizing
one competing value/principle over another
G An action plan that is consistent with the ethical priorities has to be
framed.
G A meeting or discussion about the potential risks and consequences of
alternative courses of action with clients and colleagues must be carried
out when it is appropriate.
G A proper evidence or support has to be taken to justify the action plan
with the values/principles.
G Utilizing the most appropriate practice skills and competencies, the
plans can be executed.
G The core social work skills such as sensitive communication, skilful
negotiation, and cultural competence are to be considered
Ethical Dilemma 3.21

G Client(s), professional(s), and agency (ies) may be consulted to reflect

on the outcome of this ethical decision making process.
To resolve the conflicts of ethical action, the facts surrounding the
ethical dilemma have to be established because facts are important in law
enforcement. The facts against misinformation and cognitive biases are to be
investigated by the officers. The circumstances and surroundings of dilemma
have to be investigated when the facts are not known. Always rumours and
gossips must be negligible. The actions to dilemmas must be verified with
factual information and evidence.
Next, the professional, legal obligations and duties must be derived
which helps to decide on a course of action to take in an ethical dilemma. It is
important to know who will be the interested participants.
Often the primary participants are identified easily compared to the
secondary participants. The secondary participants are friends, families,
or other employees that are related somehow to the primary participants in
the ethical dilemma. Knowing the impact of the decision made to secondary
participants is also important. Moreover the ethical values of each participant
may have impact on the decion making process in the work environment.
Normative ethical theories may assist in determining the consequences of
actions and it is used to assess whether the decision considered is rational from
another perspective we have not considered. Ethically sound options have
to be considered critically by determining what harm it would cause. Each
participant should consider the positives and negatives of the decisions. They
should consider the risks and benefits associated with each and every option.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Two Marks Questions:

1. Define Ethical dilemma
2. Classify ethical dilemma paradigms
3. Give some examples for ethical dilemma
4. Define ethical standards
5. What is meant by Utilitarian approach?
6. Name some of code of ethics
7. Name some code of principles for employees
3.22 Professional Ethics

8. What is the role of team spirit in business ethics?

9. Define Individual codes of principles
10. Compare ethical guidelines with code of conducts.

Five Marks Questions:

1. Explain ethical dilemma and it’s causes.
2. Write about the sources of ethical behaviour.
3. Write about ethical standards to be followed in business.
4. Explain about the relationship of a project manager with code of ethics.
5. How to resolve ethical problems? Explain.

Ten Marks Questions: