Week 7 (Ethics)

Question 1

The inward motivation to do what is right according to the highest standards of behavior in every situation.

Answer 1

Character

Question 2

A set of principles of right or good conduct. The study of the general nature of morals and of specific choices to be made by an individual. The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession. (Group)

Answer 2

Ethics

Question 3

Steadfast adherence to a strict ethical code. The state of being unimpaired; soundness. The quality or condition of being or undivided; completeness.

Answer 3

Integrity

Question 4

Of or concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character; ethical. Teaching or exhibiting goodness or correctness of character and behavior. Conforming to standards of what is right or just in behavior; virtuous. (Individual)

Answer 4

Morals

Question 5

A principle, standard or quality considered worthwhile or desirable.

Answer 5

Values

Question 6

Continuum of Compromise

Answer 6

Perceived Victimization
Acts of Omission
Acts of Commission – Administrative
Acts of Commission – Criminal

Question 7

Acts of Omission

Answer 7

Not filling out reports/forms completely
Taking shortcuts
Ignoring a subordinate’s actions when warranted
Failure to review reports submitted by subordinates

Question 8

Acts of Commission – Administrative

Answer 8

Intentional acts
Breaking the small rules
Passive resistance to organizational mandates
Carrying unauthorized equipment

Question 9

Acts of Commission – Criminal

Answer 9

From law enforcer to law violator

Intentional violations of criminal law (theft, misappropriation of seized assets, inappropriate use of force, etc.)

Question 10

Moral Dilemma

Answer 10

A choice between two mutually exclusive courses of action, each of which has a serious claim to being morally right. In order to be torn between two arguably right but mutually exclusive actions, a person must already care about doing what is right.

Question 11

Process for Solving Moral Dilemmas

Answer 11

1. Be clear about what to decide
2. Gather facts and set criteria
3. Develop options
4. Evaluate options and assess risk
5. Make the decision and follow through

Question 12

The end is more important than the means by which the end is achieved. A manager tries to weigh all positives against all negatives. If the positives outweigh the negatives, the decision is deemed to be ethical. All stakeholders must be considered. This is often not practical. If the amount of harm to the few outweighs the amount of benefit to the many, decision will protect the few from harm (Example: peanut butter). At its worst, it demonstrates that the benefit to the majority can become evil totalitarianism to the minority.

Answer 12

Utilitarianism

Question 13

The ethicality of a decision is determined by the decision maker’s self-interest. Can be effective motivational tool (salesperson). Tends to emphasize the short term at the expense of long term (WorldCom, Enron). Can lead to the erosion of an organization’s vision (basketball team).

Answer 13

Ethical Egoism

Question 14

Develop “categorical imperatives” designed to guide behavior. These imperatives are never to be broken.

Answer 14

Kantian Ethics

Question 15

People are more likely to obey the law when they believe that those who are enforcing it have authority to tell them what to do… The public confers legitimacy only on those they believe are acting in procedurally just ways.

Answer 15

PILLAR ONE – Building Trust & Legitimacy

President’s Report

Question 16

Procedural Justice is based on four central principles:

Principles can be apply both internally and externally

Answer 16

1. Treating people with dignity and respect.
2. Giving individuals “voice” during encounters.
3. Being neutral and transparent in decision making.
4. Conveying trustworthy motives.