module 4_ETH-2200-sep22
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Purdue University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
SC
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by rmt5199
ETH-2200: LEADING THE WAY: A PATH TOWARDS ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
Module 4—Ethical Decision-Making: From Theory to Practice
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Module 4! In Module 3 we discussed values-based leadership and assessed our own personal values. In Module 4 we will analyze the connection between values and ethics in decision-
making and leadership. This module introduces modern philosophical frameworks to help illuminate how we decide to do the right thing, in other words, how we engage in ethical decision-making. We will explore
how the key principles of modern ethical frameworks like deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and social contract theory inform ethical leadership today. We will use these philosophical frameworks in tandem with the values-based approach we discussed in Module 3 to examine real-world case studies. TOPICS
Module 4 covers the following topics:
●
Relating values and ethical principles ●
Philosophical frameworks for ethical decision-making
●
Ethical decision-making: barriers and strategies
OBJECTIVES
After successfully completing Module 4, you should be able to:
MO 4.1
Explain the relationship between ethical principles and values. [CO 1]
MO 4.2
Apply philosophical frameworks to ethical decision-making. [CO 2]
MO 4.3
Identify strengths and weaknesses of the ethical theories. [CO 2]
MO 4.4
Identify barriers to and strategies for ethical decision-making. [CO 4, CO 5, CO 6]
STUDY MATERIALS
Textbook Readings
Copyright © 2022 by Thomas Edison State University. All rights reserved.
●
Section IV: Module 4, Chapters 4.1 through 4.25
in Thomas Edison State University and Alverson, Leading the Way
●
Review Section I: Module 1, Chapter 1.8
in Thomas Edison State University and Alverson, Leading the Way
ACTIVITIES
Module 4 has three activities. Please consult the Course Calendar for the due dates.
Module 4 Quiz
The quiz will ask questions about philosophical frameworks and ethical decision-making. The quiz is multiple choice, open book, untimed, and unproctored. You are encouraged to take the quiz multiple times for additional practice; you will see some different questions each time. Your highest score will appear in the gradebook. [MO 4.2]
Discussion Forum 5
In Discussion Forum 5, post your response to the following discussion question. Reply to at least two classmates’ responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar. [MO 4.1, MO 4.2, MO 4.3, MO 4.4]
When we think about values, we often think about positive values like the ones Aristotle and Plato promoted: courage, honesty, and wisdom. However, not all personal values are constructive. In his theory
of basic values (
Chapter 4.13
), Shalom Schwartz identified 10 universal values. He asks: “When people talk about values, they usually mean ‘moral’ values. Which values are moral and which are not? What makes a value ‘moral’?” (Schwartz). Building off of Schwartz’s framework, Illies and Reiter-Palmon (
Chapter 4.14
) “explored the role personal values play in destructive leader decision making and problem solving.”
The philosophical frameworks of deontology, utilitarianism, social contract theory, and virtue ethics can all
be helpful to consider when trying to make an ethical decision. For example, should we take a utilitarian approach and consider what is best for the most? Should we take a deontological approach and value duty and individual dignity over all else? We use both our values and moral philosophies when we try to choose the right thing to do. As with values, the philosophical frameworks have their benefits and limitations. In this discussion, we will
be examining what causes leaders to make bad decisions in order to illuminate how applying moral values and ethical frameworks could have made for a more ethical decision. Reflect upon a major ethical scandal you have encountered in your own life/career. What values impacted
the decision-making process in the case? How could applying one or more of the philosophical frameworks discussed in the resources have changed the outcome? Did the leader’s actions highlight any
of the limitations of the philosophical frameworks? Alternatively, instead of discussing a personal example, you can review the resources in Chapters 4.21
and 4.22
. Select one of these case studies and discuss what values impacted the decision-making Copyright © 2022 by Thomas Edison State University. All rights reserved.
process in the case. How could applying one or more of the philosophical frameworks discussed in the resources have changed the outcome? Do the leader’s actions highlight any of the limitations of the philosophical frameworks?
In your responses to classmates, consider the following questions: How might you have handled or prevented the scandal? What advice would you have given the key players?
Written Assignment 3
In this assignment, you will be examining how the application of moral frameworks can aid in overcoming barriers to ethical decision-making. In an essay of 600 to 800 words (2 to 3 pages), share your thoughts on the following prompts. Cite your sources using either MLA or APA Style. Chapter 4.1
discusses common barriers to ethical decision-making. Please review this section and the Wells Fargo case study resources (
4.23
, 4.24
, and 4.25
). Describe the potential barriers to ethical decision-making the leaders at Wells Fargo encountered. What are the barriers that you think influenced the decisions that led to the scandal? Were the barriers eventually able to be overcome? Use each of the four ethical frameworks discussed in the resources (deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, social contract theory) to analyze the case. How did the actions of the leaders align (or not align) with these frameworks? How do you think applying the key tenets of each of the frameworks might have influenced the decision-making process? [MO 4.1, MO 4.2, MO 4.3, MO 4.4]
Copyright © 2022 by Thomas Edison State University. All rights reserved.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help