Personal Ethical Action Plan – Identify Your Values and Voicing Them
One of the core assumptions regarding ethics in this course is that it is not a matter of if you will face an ethical dilemma, but when. Moreover, it is easier to respond the way you want in such a situation if you are prepared ahead of time.
Therefore, the purpose of this assignment is to help you prepare yourself by developing a “personal ethical action plan.” This plan is based on your self-analysis of core concepts associated with ethics, and how they associate with your ability to choose an ethical course of action when faced with an ethical dilemma.
Your assignment is to write a paper that incorporates your self-assessment into a personal ethical action plan (i.e., how you will prepare yourself for responding in the face of an ethical dilemma). Altogether your final paper must be at least 2000 words but not to exceed 2200 words (not including any appendices you might include). Please do not include a cover page or table of contents. Make sure to include an introduction and conclusion, and separate the four main sections of your paper. Cite any resources you draw from using APA format, double-space your document and use 12-point font.
Content Resources: You should draw the material for your analysis from topics and issues covered in class as well as your textbook.
You should have at least 4 sources which provide additional research/resources for your paper. A primary resource for you should be the Giving Voice to Values (GVV) book or the related videos. You may also use your text as a resource. The paper will be turned in twice. You will turn in a completed version under PEAP Submission, which will be reviewed and graded. You then have the opportunity to make corrections (which need to be highlighted) and resubmit your paper under PEAP Revised submission.
The four main parts are:
VALUES
Discuss 3-4 of your core values: The “5 people 5 attributes exercise” should have helped you to tap into your deep, fundamental (core) values. This exercise should be included in an Appendix that appears at the end of your document and the appendix should be referred to in the text of your paper. Drawing from this exercise and other factors to determine what you value most in life, then describe your core values. Be sure to discuss how you identified these core values and how you envision them helping you in future ethical dilemmas. Consider dedicating a paragraph to each of the values you identified in order to fully describe each in detail. Chapters 1 and 2 from Giving Voice to Values (GVV) will be helpful in successfully completing this part of the paper.
TALE OF TWO STORIES
Complete the exercise entitled “A Tale of Two Stories” and answer all of the questions associated with Parts 1 and 2. The answers to the questions as well as a write up of the full story should be in your appendix. You can reference Chapters 3 and 4 from GVV in order to complete this part of the assignment. Once you have completed the Tale of Two Stories exercise in your appendix, use your examples for inclusion in your Personal Ethical Action Plan. This section should include a brief (one paragraph maximum) description of each of the two stories and then a significant exploration and comparison of them. Focus on what you can learn from these experiences that will help you in the future as you face similar ethical dilemmas. Be sure to identify what you wish you would have done differently in the story where you did not give voice to your values.
PERSONAL PURPOSE
Describe your personal professional purpose. Chapter 5 and 6 from GVV will help you complete this section. To spur your thinking on this issue, refer to and answer each of the Self-Assessment Questions from your textbook (Managing Business Ethics) pg. 116 in your appendix. Once you have considered each of these questions, craft a succinct statement of professional purpose. In your paper, bold your statement of personal purpose. Then, describe this purpose in greater detail by creating your narrative of how you see yourself. (see further explanation on pg. 116 in your book)
REASONS AND RATIONALIZATIONS
What are the reasons and rationalizations you most commonly use when you decide not to act on your values? What are those you hear others around you use? Think of specific examples. What can you do to address these reasons and rationalizations, so they do not lead to unethical choices (but rather allow for ethical choices to be made)? This is an important step in the development of your Personal Ethical Action Plan because oftentimes our own thoughts are what keep us from speaking up. So, we can increase the likelihood of our speaking up by foreseeing the potential reasons and rationalizations that we might use and plan ahead of time how we will overcome these potentially silencing thoughts. See pg. 117 in Managing Business Ethics and Chapter 8 from GVV for more information about how to successfully complete this part of the paper.
Further information for this assignment can be found under the WIC Module.
Rubric
PEAP Rubric
PEAP Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCore values
List and discuss your core values: Complete 5 people 5 attributes exercise – place in your appendix. Draw from what you have leaned by completing the exercise to determine your core values. Describe your core values, what criteria you used in your choice and how you will implement them in future ethical dilemmas.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTale of Two Stories
Complete the exercise “A Tale of Two Stories” and answer the questions on pg. 52-53 of GVV book in your appendix. Include a brief (one paragraph max for each story) summary of your two stories in your paper. Complete a comparison analysis to determine the significant differences in your stories which led you to your choice to give or not to give voice to your values. State what you did or could learn from these stories that will help you in the future as you face similar ethical dilemmas. State what you wish you would have done differently in the story where you did not give voice to your value(s).
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProfessional Purpose
Answer each of the Self-Assessment Questions from your textbook (Managing Business Ethics) pg. 116 in your appendix. Once you have considered each of these questions, craft a succinct statement of professional purpose. In your paper, bold your statement of personal purpose. Then, describe this purpose in greater detail by creating your narrative of how you see yourself. (see further explanation on pg. 116 in your book)
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReasons and Rationalizations
Reasons and Rationalizations
Examine and describe the reasons and rationalizations you use when you decide not to act on your values or morals. Describe reasons and rationalizations used by others. List examples of each. How can you address these issues, so they do not lead to unethical choices? What action would you like to address or improve in your ethical plan ahead of time to overcome these issues?
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction/Conclusion
Introduction:
A clear thesis which indicates the paper’s main purpose. Introduces the different sections that will be expanded upon in the paper. Shows a clear plan of development for the paper.
Conclusion:
Restates the thesis. Reflect on your paper to establish a clear plan on how you will handle ethical dilemmas as they appear in your professional career. States any major discoveries or plans that have developed from creating this paper.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat
Paper is double spaces and within word length requirements. You have used at least 4 sources. Sources are cited correctly.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBonus Points
Five days before due date =5pts.
Four days before due date =4pts.
Three days before due date=3pts.
Two days before due date=2pts.
One day before due date=1pt.
5 pts
Total Points: 105
