Ethical Dilemma

Book: Ethical Decision-Making in Management (2023)

By Matej Draek, Dana Mesner Andolek, Adriana Rejc Buhovac

Book: Business Ethics: An Ethical Decision-Making Approach (2017)

by Mark S. Schwartz

Instructions:

For this final paper, you will analyze a historical ethical dilemma from any industry (e.g., healthcare, finance, education). Connect this real-world ethical failure or challenge to the course concepts explored in Weeks 17. Evaluate what went wrong, how ethical frameworks could have improved decision-making, and what future leaders can learn from this case.

In Your Paper, You Should:

1. Describe the historical ethical dilemma:

• Provide background on the organization or incident.
• Identify the stakeholders involved.
• Describe the ethical conflict or failure.

1. Analyze the dilemma using ethical theories:

• Apply at least two ethical theories (e.g., deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics) to interpret the decisions made.
• Reference Rests Four-Component Model to assess the decision-making process.
• Consider the influence of leadership styles and ethical climate.

1. Draw connections to course topics:

• Discuss how themes such as diversity, ethical training, hiring practices, leadership, or community outreach were (or were not) evident in the case.
• Compare the ethical approaches used in the case with best practices discussed in class.

1. Make recommendations:

• What should have been done differently?
• What can ethical leaders today learn from this case?
• How can ethical frameworks prevent similar dilemmas in the future?