How to take Moral Action
This final behavioral ethics assignment focuses on one of the most difficult aspects of ethical behavior, that of taking Moral Action.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBSac1BjVOM
Watch the video above re: Moral Action and answer the questions below.
Include ALL question numbers in your response. Please double space your response.
1. Per the video, what does it take to translate Moral Intent (having the desire to act morally/ethically) into Moral Action (actually acting ethically) when faced with a personal ethical dilemma?
2. What is “Moral Ownership? How do we take moral ownership when faced with an ethical dilemma?
3. What is Moral Efficacy? How can we develop moral efficacy?
4. Do you agree with the video’s assertion that one person taking a stand on an ethical issue in the workplace can have a positive impact? Is this assertion realistic? Why or why not? (Please answer honestly. You will not be graded on your response.)
5. What is Moral Courage? Per the video, what actions should we take to develop Moral Courage?
Watch the following video:
TED Talk Creating Ethical Cultures in Business: Brooke Deterline
6. Did Brooke Deterline demonstrate Moral Courage in the story she related in the TED Talk above? Why or why not? What were Brooke Deterline’s recommendations for developing moral courage?
7. How do you think individuals in the business world can develop moral courage? Is it even possible to do so?
8. Do you think you would have the courage to lose a post-college professional job for the sake of your ethical beliefs? Why or why not? (Please note that there is no “right” or “wrong” answer to this question. I am simply interested in hearing your thoughts.)
9. How do you think you can you be your “Best” Moral Self in the business world?
10. This is a two part question. Please ensure that your answer to this question consists of at least 400 words. Please double space your answer.
The purpose of this question is for you to develop a dialogue you can use when faced with ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Planning and practicing what you might say if you are faced with a hypothetical ethical dilemma in the workplace may help you gain the Moral Courage to act when you are faced with a “real life” workplace based ethical dilemma.
Part I. Create a detailed hypothetical ethical dilemma which involves you and a future supervisor. This should be a dilemma in which your supervisor asks you to do something you think is unethical. Please note, this should be a dilemma you could possibly face during your professional career.
Please be creative when developing your hypothetical ethical dilemma. Also, make the dilemma specific to a job you hope to have after finishing your degree.
Include the following information in the hypothetical ethical dilemma you create:
a) Explain the nature of the ethical dilemma. Remember that this should be an ethical dilemma in which your supervisor asks you to do something unethical. Provide background information explaining the dilemma and how it developed – be creative;
b) Explain the choices you faced;
c) Explain the possible outcomes of your choices – both positive and negative.
Part II. Provide a detailed hypothetical dialogue explaining how you would respond to your supervisor in the hypothetical ethical dilemma you outlined above.
Include the following in your hypothetical dialogue:
a) What would your supervisor say to you?
b) What would you say in response?
c) Include at least one rebuttal argument you might have to make to your supervisor if he or she questions your decision. Be as detailed as possible when completing this portion of the question. What reasoning might you use with your supervisor?
