research paper

The purpose of this Signature Assignment is to demonstrate your ability to apply ethical theory, moral reasoning, and philosophical analysis to a complex leadership issue in healthcare. Ethical leadership requires more than knowing rules or policies; it requires the ability to reason carefully, justify decisions, and communicate moral judgments clearly in situations involving competing values, uncertainty, and real-world consequences.

In this assignment, you will analyze a healthcare-related ethical dilemma through the lens of ethical leadership, drawing on ethical theories and principles studied in this course.

Assignment Task

Choose one ethical dilemma in healthcare, public health, or healthcare policy that involves leadership, professional responsibility, or system-level decision-making.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• End-of-life decision-making and leadership responsibility
• Allocation of scarce medical resources
• Ethical leadership during public health emergencies
• Use of technology or AI in healthcare decision-making
• Confidentiality and data privacy challenges
• Access to care and health equity
• Whistleblowing and moral courage in healthcare organizations

Required Components

Your paper must include the following sections:

1. Description of the Ethical Issue

• Clearly describe the ethical dilemma
• Identify the key stakeholders involved
• Explain why this situation presents a moral conflict

1. Ethical Theory Application

• Apply at least two ethical theories (e.g., deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, care ethics, principles)
• Explain how each theory approaches the dilemma
• Compare how the conclusions differ or align

1. Ethical Leadership Analysis

• Analyze the role and responsibilities of ethical leaders in this situation
• Discuss professional duties, moral courage, and accountability
• Explain how ethical leadership influences patient safety, trust, and organizational culture

1. Justified Ethical Position

• Clearly state your ethical conclusion
• Defend your position using philosophical reasoning and course concepts
• Acknowledge at least one opposing perspective and explain why your position is ethically stronger

1. Reflection on Professional Responsibility

• Reflect on how this analysis informs your understanding of ethical leadership in healthcare.
• Discuss how ethical reasoning can guide future professional decision-making.

Sources & Citations

• Use at least 3 scholarly or course-based sources
• Course readings may be included
• Cite all sources using APA format

Format Requirements

• Length: 46 pages (not including title and reference pages)
• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
• Spacing: Double-spaced
• Style: APA
• File Type: Word or PDF