Answer:
Ethical dilemmas are situations in which there is a difficult choice to be made between two or more options, neither of which resolves the situation in a manner that is consistent with accepted ethical guidelines. When faced with an ethical dilemma, a person is faced with having to select an option that doesn’t align with an established code of ethics or societal norms, such as codes of law and religious teachings, or with their internal moral perceptions of right and wrong. Explore ethical dilemma examples to see how you might handle these difficult situations.
Explanation:
Ethical Dilemma Situations
Ethical dilemmas occur all too frequently in everyday life. There is rarely a clear answer regarding right and wrong. Instead of being able to rely on external standards, people have to rely on their morals and values to navigate such situations. A storytelling approach, as introduced by Lawrence Kohlberg in the 1930s, is often used to encourage people to think through possible outcomes and consequences of ethical dilemmas.
This is one of the most extreme moral dilemma examples, as well as an ethical dilemma. The choice is between actively causing one person’s death or allowing people (including oneself) to die. Someone following a utilitarian approach to ethics would likely choose to eliminate the person who is stuck, as this philosophy is based on choosing actions that result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Someone who focuses primarily on the sanctity of each individual life, however, would not consider harming the person who is stuck to be a viable option.
Following the Rules
One of the most important characteristics of an effective leader is treating people equitably. This involves fairness and consistency, including regards to applying the rules to everyone equally. What should a coach do when a few superstar players get caught breaking rules that should lead to their suspension from the team immediately before a big game that is very important to the team?
If the star players don’t play, there is a good chance the team will lose. If the team has to win this game to advance to the championship game, should that affect the coach’s decision?
If the coach doesn’t apply appropriate consequences to the actions of the players who broke the rules, what lesson are those players learning? Will they continue to break rules?
What about the other players who do follow the rules. Will they learn that the rules are just suggestions and feel like they don’t need to comply in the future?
What if one of the players who broke the rules will miss a chance to be seen by professional scouts if he doesn’t play in the game?
What if the team’s school will earn a large amount of money from television coverage of the big game if the team goes to the championship?
What if the coach is set to earn a big bonus or significant pay increase if the team advances to the championship game?
Coaches are responsible for winning, but they’re also responsible for setting an appropriate example of leadership for players and treating all team members fairly. What may seem to be an obvious choice between right and wrong at first glance is really much more complicated.
professionals should always act in the best interest of their clients.
