Kinds of Workplace Ethical Dilemmas

Summary

The video discusses the inevitability of ethical dilemmas in the workplace, categorizing them into two types: dilemmas of conscience and those influenced by external factors. Dilemmas of conscience involve internal moral battles, where individuals face right or wrong decisions shaped by their desires and rationalizations. On the other hand, external dilemmas arise from co-workers, management, customers, or systemic issues within an organization. The video emphasizes the responsibility of making ethical choices, being aware of rationalization, and understanding the consequences of one's actions in both scenarios.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ethical dilemmas are an unavoidable part of life in the workplace.
• 😀 Ethical dilemmas can be divided into two broad categories: dilemmas of conscience and dilemmas from outside your sphere of influence.
• 😀 Dilemmas of conscience occur within your own mind and are influenced by your sense of right or wrong.
• 😀 In dilemmas of conscience, you always have a choice in how to act, and it is your responsibility to face the consequences of that choice.
• 😀 There are usually clear right and wrong answers in dilemmas of conscience, but they can be complicated by personal needs, wants, and feelings.
• 😀 Your desires can tempt you to compromise your ethics, so it's essential to be cautious about what you want and need.
• 😀 Rationalization is a common danger in ethical dilemmas—be mindful of how you justify your actions, as it may influence your decisions in critical situations.
• 😀 Ethical dilemmas are subject to rationalization, and over-rationalizing in non-conflict situations can lead to justifying unethical actions in more challenging situations.
• 😀 You are obligated to make the honest, legal choice, even if that choice leads to negative consequences.
• 😀 Dilemmas from outside your influence come from external sources like co-workers, supervisors, customers, or systemic issues within an organization, and they can challenge your ethical stance.

Q & A

What are the two broad categories of ethical dilemmas in the workplace?

The two broad categories of ethical dilemmas in the workplace are dilemmas of conscience and those that come from outside your sphere of influence.

What are dilemmas of conscience?

Dilemmas of conscience are ethical dilemmas that occur internally, involving a moral battle between right and wrong in a person's mind. They are strongly influenced by an individual's needs, wants, and feelings.

What does the script say about the responsibility of dealing with dilemmas of conscience?

It emphasizes that individuals have a choice on how to act in dilemmas of conscience, and it is their responsibility to face the consequences of their decisions.

How can desires and needs influence ethical decision-making in dilemmas of conscience?

Desires and needs can tempt individuals to compromise their ethics in order to achieve personal goals. The script warns not to let personal wants and feelings cloud judgment in these situations.

What role does rationalization play in dilemmas of conscience?

Rationalization can lead individuals to justify unethical decisions. The script warns that if someone frequently rationalizes their actions, they may be more likely to do so in situations where ethical conflicts arise.

What is the ultimate responsibility in dilemmas of conscience?

The individual is obligated to make the honest and legal choice and face the consequences if they fail to do so.

What are the sources of dilemmas from outside a person's sphere of influence?

Dilemmas from outside an individual's sphere of influence can come from co-workers, supervisors, management, customers, business partners, suppliers, or systemic issues such as corruption or bureaucratic problems within an organization.

How do ethical dilemmas from outside one's influence arise?

These dilemmas are not actively sought out but are encountered when others (e.g., co-workers, managers, customers) or systemic problems present unethical situations to the individual.

What should individuals do when faced with ethical dilemmas from outside their influence?

Individuals need to recognize these dilemmas, assess their sources, and decide how to respond appropriately, even when the dilemmas are imposed by others or external systems.

What is the main message of the script regarding ethical dilemmas in the workplace?

The main message is that ethical dilemmas are an inevitable part of working life, and everyone, no matter how ethical, will face them. It is important to approach these dilemmas thoughtfully, taking responsibility for one's actions and making ethical choices.