Applying The “Eight Steps To Sound Ethical Decision Making” To A Real Or Possible Ethical Situation. The point of studying ethics is to improve ethical decision-making. Given every ethical situation, a decision has to happen. Even indecision or inaction are ultimately decisions and actions.
In order to be sure that you are clear on all points, it is good to apply some kind of problem solving approach when solving ethical dilemmas. There are a few methods to do so, but one widely accepted model is the “Eight Steps to Sound Ethical Decision Making” described in the text. The application of such an approach will make sure that all points and stakeholders are considered so that the best decision can be made.
Let’s assume we find ourselves in the following scenario:
In your spare time at work, you have developed a new spreadsheet program on your work computer in your office. It is even more powerful, yet easier to use than anything on the market. You share your new program with a friend who encourages you to market it on your own because you could probably make an incredible profit in a very short amount of time. This is a very attractive option, yet you developed it using company equipment and during time that you were at work. What do you do?
Keep in mind the 8 Steps are:
Step One; Gather the facts
Step Two; Define the ethical issues
Step Three; Identify the affected parties (stakeholders)
Step Four; Identify the consequences
Step Five; Identify the obligations
Step Six; Consider your character and integrity
Step Seven; Think creatively about potential actions
Step Eight; Check your gut!
Ok, for the scenario provided above we would begin by gathering the facts. We created something that could be very lucrative, but did so during company time with company equipment without permission. The potential ethical issue is that we “stole” time from our employer and used their equipment for our own benefit. The affected parties would be ourselves (we created the program), our company, other companies (as this new software could save time and help increase corporate profitability), and possibly future consumers who would use the software as well. The obligations we have could be to provide for our family with more stability if we can sell the software, an obligation to consumers and other companies that may benefit from using my software, and an obligation to our current employer to use their time wisely and not take advantage of work equipment for our own personal gain. In considering our character and integrity, we would evaluate our morals and what we “feel” is right and wrong. Next, we think about our choices, make a decision and check our gut. Let’s ask again, what would you do?
Prompt
In a properly IWG formatted essay of 600 words, including two IWG references (one may be your text), you will choose an actual or possible ethical dilemma or situation that is relevant for the chosen career path that you are studying for. You will analyze this possible ethical dilemma with the Eight Steps to Sound Ethical Decision Making,and decide what to do.
Please be sure to complete each of the following steps in your 600 word essay:
1. Describe an ethical situation you or someone in your field of study or career path might face. You may use your own past experience, however, please do not use one shown in our Week 1 discussion videos. Then in a single sentence, state what you think you should do.
2. Next, analyze the situation you have chosen with the Eight Steps.
3. Discuss the course of action or solution that the process of analyzing the situation from the Eight Steps has led you to in this particular situation.
4. Conclude by comparing the outcomes recommended by the Eight Steps with your initial response stated in the first step. How are they similar? How are they different?
Describing an Ethical Situation in My Field of Study
As a university student studying computer science, I might face an ethical dilemma if I were to develop a useful software program during my spare time using university resources and equipment. In this situation, I think the best course of action would be to discuss developing and marketing the program openly with my university to find an ethical solution that benefits all stakeholders.
Analyzing the Situation Using the Eight Steps
Gather the facts: I developed a new spreadsheet program for a class project using my university-issued laptop and software during breaks between classes. The program has commercial potential if marketed independently.
Define the ethical issues: The main issue is whether developing the program for personal gain using university property constitutes theft or misuse of resources provided for educational purposes.
Identify the affected parties: I would benefit financially if I sold the program independently. My university paid for my education and the computer/software. Future consumers and companies could benefit from the program.
Identify the consequences: I could profit greatly but risk legal action or expulsion if the university sees it as theft of intellectual property. They could lose funding if alumni think resources are being misused. Consumers gain a useful tool.
Identify the obligations: I have an obligation to fulfill my student responsibilities and not misuse university property. They have invested in my education. I also have an obligation to potential customers and companies if the program truly helps productivity.
Consider my character and integrity: Developing and selling the program without permission could damage my integrity if seen as theft of university resources. However, sharing my skills and creating useful tools aligns with positive values.
Think creatively about potential actions: I could discuss sharing profits with the university in exchange for using their equipment, or develop it entirely on personal devices and time. They may support a partnership if the program benefits the institution.
Check my gut: My initial feeling is that independently marketing the program risks damaging my education and career. However, an open discussion exploring mutual benefits for all parties seems the most ethical path.
Recommended Course of Action
Given this analysis, I believe the best solution is to openly discuss developing and potentially marketing the program with my university administrators to find an ethical agreement. A partnership allowing me to continue my studies while profiting from my work, and benefiting the university and future consumers seems the optimal outcome respecting the needs of all stakeholders.
Comparing Initial Response to Eight Step Analysis
My initial thought was that independently selling the program risked serious repercussions. The eight step process illuminated obligations to my university as well as opportunities through cooperation. While profiting from my work remains important, maintaining integrity and fulfilling all responsibilities demands discussing the situation respectfully with my university to find a mutually agreeable solution. Overall, the eight steps led me to a wiser, more ethical course of action accounting for all viewpoints.
