(250 words) Discuss (in your opinion) the two most interesting aspects of ethical reasoning. Also, tell me how you could apply the material about moral decision making in a current or previous business environment.
How could the material this week help you address ethical dilemmas that you face in the future as a leader?
Reposnse to Kevin (100 words)
Good evening classmates and professor,
To me the two most interesting aspects of ethical reasoning are utilitarianism and universalism. When you use utilitarianism you make a ethical decision off of what is best for the greater good of other people and not yourself. An example of this if I interpreted correctly id being faced with a decision that would benefit you greatly but you know that if you do it will not benefit others but just you so you find another path that would benefit everyone and that is the ethical thing to do. I know it is not always easy to make that hard right decision but making the easy wrong decision is never good and I believe that if more people lived this way the world would be a better place.
The second is universalism. This is the process of treating others the way you would want to be treated and treating everyone with equal respect as well. This is another option that you must take the high road and take your benefits out of the decision and do the ethical thing all the time.
I could apply the lessons I have learned about this week when I was in the Army and you have to make a decision that is best for everyone that you are with and lead to ensure they are all safe. It might not be the greatest decision for you but for the group as a whole it is. Also, The material I have read this week will help me in the future as a leader to be able to make sound ethical decisions for the people I will manage and always think about others before you think about yourself and that has been something I have done for a very long time.
-Kevin
Repsonse 2 to jeremy (100 words)
good evening,
After reading this week’s lesson, I found two of the principles for decision-making most interesting to me. After reading both utilitarianism and universalism, I found myself going back and forth and tried making comparisons. Utilitarianism is a principle that is a consequence-based approach. This principle entails that the end result should be a factor that is considered the most in any decision-making. On the other hand, universalism promotes consistency when making decisions; what is right for one should be right for all. Morality in this approach is determined by the intentions of the decision-maker, which respect and equality should be practiced to those who are involved in the decision-making. So in comparison, utilitarianism focuses on outcome rather than intentions, while universalism focuses on intentions rather than outcome.
Problems arise at any workplace from time to time. Some of these problems are beyond our control and can lead to arguments in a team. This weeks lesson provided me guidance and ideas on how to efficiently approach these situations. The Twelve Question Model provides a series of questions that an individual should consider to determine if decisions being made are ethical. As a leader, people that work under me don’t always see eye to eye. This always leads to arguments that disrupt work and prevent us from having an effective team. I have tendencies to make judgements quickly that focuses more on completing the job rather than analyzing the situation and considering everyone’s opinion. Applying some of this week’s lesson can help me improve on how I make decisions while creating a better work environment.