Article Critique: This Article Includes Details And Assertio

Article Critiquethis Article Includes Details And Assertions About T

Article Critiquethis Article Includes Details And Assertions About T

Article Critique This article includes details and assertions about the ethical choices/decisions made by Edward J. Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor. Here is the reference citation for the article: Securing our liberty. (2013). Commonweal, 140(12), 5. After reading the article, draft a two-page response by discussing the U.S. government's decision to acquire phone and internet data without disclosing its intentions to citizens.

For this assignment, consider the NSA as an organization (i.e., business) and Snowden as a manager. How have the decisions of this event impacted the fairness of the U.S. government, its citizens, and Snowden? How did ethics, perhaps, influence Snowden's decision to leak information? In this event, what is the greater good and also the consequences/sacrifices of that greater good? Based on the details of this event, what can we learn about making important decisions as a leader and manager?

This event was covered by several news and media organizations, so there should be plenty of articles in the library. Conduct a bit more research in an online library related to this event involving Edward Snowden and the U.S. government—see what else you can discover about the event to determine an appropriate punishment, if any, for Snowden's conduct. Include at least one additional source from the library in your response. The purpose of this assignment is for you to think critically about managers (and other leaders) making important decisions, and the process managers use to make important decisions. Consider how important it is to collect all of the facts before making an important decision, such as those involving fairness and ethics.

Paper For Above instruction

The Edward Snowden case presents a complex ethical dilemma involving government transparency, individual privacy, and national security. As a former NSA contractor, Snowden's decision to leak classified information about the government's surveillance programs catalyged a global debate about privacy rights and the extent of governmental power. Analyzing this event through the lens of organizational ethics and leadership decision-making provides insights into the importance of transparency, ethical considerations, and the greater good in managerial choices.

The U.S. government's decision to collect phone and internet data without prior disclosure to its citizens exemplifies a significant breach of transparency. While the government argued that such surveillance was essential for national security, the secretiveness surrounding these operations raised questions about accountability and individual rights. From a managerial perspective within the NSA or similar organizations, decisions made in the interest of security often involve balancing ethical principles against operational necessities. The covert collection of data bypassed public consent, undermining trust and raising issues about fairness. This aligns with organizational ethics literature, which emphasizes the importance of transparency and stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes (Preston & Post, 1975).

Snowden's decision to leak information can be viewed as an act driven by ethical convictions. He believed that the widespread surveillance was an infringement on civil liberties and an abuse of governmental authority. Snowden's actions reflect a sense of moral responsibility where the greater good—protecting individual privacy and democratic values—overrode loyalty to his employer and adherence to secrecy. From this perspective, Snowden exemplified ethical leadership by prioritizing societal interests over organizational confidentiality (Brown & Treviño, 2006). However, critics argue that such leaks compromise national security and violate contractual obligations, which raises questions about the limits of ethical whistleblowing and organizational loyalty. The dilemma underscores the importance of ethical decision-making frameworks in leadership, such as utilitarianism or deontological ethics, to guide actions where multiple interests conflict (Trevino & Nelson, 2017).

The greater good articulated by Snowden and supporters involves safeguarding civil liberties and maintaining a balance between security measures and individual rights. Nonetheless, the sacrifices include undermining government secrecy, potentially jeopardizing intelligence operations, and damaging diplomatic relations. The event illustrates the moral trade-offs inherent in national security decisions—where transparency and accountability may come into conflict with operational secrecy and safety concerns. Managers and leaders must therefore weigh the societal benefits of transparency against the risks of exposing sensitive information. Ethical decision-making in such contexts requires careful evaluation of the long-term implications for public trust and organizational integrity (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2019).

From a leadership perspective, Snowden's case emphasizes the importance of ethical awareness, stakeholder analysis, and the courage to challenge organizational misconduct. Leaders must foster an organizational culture that encourages ethical reflection and legal compliance, even in high-stakes situations. Moreover, it highlights the necessity of creating channels for whistleblowing that are protected from retaliation, enabling employees to address unethical practices responsibly (Matea et al., 2020). Ultimately, Snowden's actions teach us that decision-making in organizations must integrate ethical principles, transparency, and a focus on the common good, especially when confronting complex trade-offs involving security and civil liberties.

References

• Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595-616.
• Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Matea, I., Cazan, A. M., & Lazaroiu, G. C. (2020). Whistleblowing and employees’ perceptions of organizational justice: The mediating role of perceived organizational support. Journal of Business Ethics, 161, 777-793.
• Preston, L. E., & Post, J. E. (1975). Private management and public responsibility: Supplier accountability in the corporate welfare state. Harvard University Press.
• Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk About How to Do It Right (7th ed.). Wiley.