Ethical Dilemmas & Decisions, Ch.4

Question 0

reinforcement

Answer 0

rewards

Question 1

modeling

Answer 1

learning theory concept that people learn behaviors, values, attitudes through relationships; they identify with another person and want to be like that person and pattern themselves after them

Question 2

cognitive dissonance

Answer 2

psychological term referring to the discomfort that is created when behavior and attitude or belief are inconsistent

Question 3

self-efficacy

Answer 3

individuals’ feelings of competence and confidence in their own abilities and power, developed by comparing self to others

Question 4

developmental theories

Answer 4

approaches to behavior that individuals have normal growth phases in areas such as morality and emotional maturity

Question 5

whistleblowers

Answer 5

Individuals, usually employees, who find it impossible to live with knowledge of corruption or illegality within a government or organization and expose it, usually creating a scandal

Question 6

burnout

Answer 6

The condition in which a worker has abandoned the mission of the organization and become cynical; usually leads to unethical actions

Question 7

reasons for moral decline

Answer 7

• eliminated opportunities for teaching morals
• community no longer cohesive force
• religious authority shrinking
• family no longer source of socialization
• educators favor scientific neutrality

Question 8

3 major theories of human behavior

Answer 8

1) biological
2) learning
3) developmental

Question 9

[Bandura] cognitive restructuring mechanisms

Answer 9

• moral justification; ‘end justifies means’
• euphemistic labeling (words downplay seriousness of actions)
• advantageous comparison (action not as bad as others)
• responsibility displacement; “only following orders”
• responsibility diffusion (mob rule)
• distortion of consequences (‘the hooded executioner’)
• dehumanization; strip victim of sympathetic qualities

Question 10

[Kohlberg] necessities for moral growth

Answer 10

• encouraged to see other viewpoints
• engaging in logical thinking
• responsible for moral decisions
• exposure to moral controversy
• exposure to reasoning of moral/ethical people
• participating in a community pursuing common goals with mutual respect

Question 11

[Trautman] “corruption continuum”

Answer 11

1) administrative indifference toward integrity
2) ignoring obvious ethical problems
3) hypocrisy and fear dominated culture
4) survivalist attitude leading to unethical acts

Question 12

[Gardner’s] 5 types of cognitive abilities

Answer 12

• disciplined mind (learn a field of study)
• synthesizing mind (integrate diverse ideas into a whole)
• creating mind (recognize/solve problems)
• respectful mind (form/maintain good relationships with others)
• ethical minds (fulfill civic responsibilities; identify fellow human beings)

Question 13

[Souryal] 7 points of ethical leadership

Answer 13

1. create environment for dignified treatment on the job
2. increase ethical awareness through formal/informal socialization
3. avoid deception when assigning, rewarding, or promoting
4. allow for openness; free flow of unclassified information
5. foster a sense of shared values
6. demonstrate obligation to honesty, fairness, and decency by example
7. discuss issue of corruption openly; expose corrupt behavior; reward ethical behavior

Question 14

3 elements to avoid burnout

Answer 14

1st) a more realistic career goal
2nd) find/nurture a network or mentors/colleagues who promote ethical values
3rd) seek self-fulfillment and personal enrichment

Question 15

[Metz] advice for ethical administrators

Answer 15

• establish realistic objectives
• provide ethical leadership
• establish formal written code of ethics
• provide whistleblowing mechanism
• discipline ethical standard violators
• train all personnel in ethics