General Assignment Instructions 1 Format Use Microsoft Word

General Assignment Instructions 1 Formata Use Microsoft Word 12 Poin

Format a. Use Microsoft Word, 12 point font, Times New Roman, single spacing.

b. Use the format demonstrated in the sample paper called “Excerpts from A papers ..” provided under Writing Resources in Blackboard for Assignments 1 through 3. This format incorporates the use of headers that distinguish the different areas of thought within the memo.

c. Where using headers in Assignments 1 through 3, you must include these: 1. Facts 2. Issue 3. Analysis (note- this is where you may want to use additional headers to further organize your thoughts) 4. Recommendation

d. Assignments 1 and 2 should be between 750 and 1000 words. Assignment 3 should amount to 1400 – 2000 words. This is merely a guide. The purpose of the guide is to help you understand whether you have thought deeply enough about the topic. Your grade does not depend on the number of words written. However, your grade will be affected by whether or not you have fully analyzed the issue and fully supported your conclusion/decision. If you find that you are significantly over this range of words, you should edit your paper so that your ideas and words are conveyed in the most concise manner. This does not mean eliminating key arguments. It just means editing your wording so that it is more concisely written.

e. Inside your document – DO NOT include any personal information inside your document (such as name, CougarNet ID, etc). We will not remove this information before submitting it for assessment.

f. Naming your document as follows: "Assignment [number]_last name_first name"

Paper For Above instruction

In this assignment, students are instructed to format their papers using Microsoft Word with 12-point Times New Roman font and single spacing, adhering to a specific structure that includes headers such as Facts, Issue, Analysis, and Recommendation. For Assignments 1 and 2, submissions should fall between 750 and 1000 words, whereas Assignment 3 should be between 1400 and 2000 words. The focus is on deep analytical thought rather than word count, with emphasis on fully supporting conclusions and maintaining conciseness. Personal identifiers must be omitted from the document, and proper naming conventions should be followed when saving the files.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical analysis of professional conduct in a corporate environment hinges critically on understanding the frameworks that guide moral decision-making. When that understanding is integrated with specific scenarios, such as those faced in the context of corporate social responsibility and individual obligation, the complexity and nuance of ethical dilemmas become evident. This paper explores the ethical issues involved in a scenario where an employee is privy to confidential information about an upcoming project that could significantly impact local property values, and how to navigate competing moral obligations using various ethical theories, specifically the Golden Rule and Virtue Ethics.

The scenario involves Luke, an employee at ABC Company, who is asked to work on a land development project for an adult entertainment store set to be announced publicly in one month. The location of the land is adjacent to a neighborhood where Luke’s brother, Owen, resides. Luke suspects that the announcement will lead to a sharp decrease in property values, which raises concerns about the ethical implications of confidentiality versus the potential harm caused to the community and his brother. Meanwhile, Owen considers selling his house but is hesitant, pondering if waiting might yield a better sale price once the market recovers, posing another ethical concern regarding insider information and fairness.

The Ethical Issue and Its Significance

The core ethical issue in this case relates to the obligation of confidentiality versus the moral responsibility to prevent harm or injustice. The company’s plans are confidential; revealing them prematurely could breach corporate policies and trust, potentially leading to disciplinary action. Conversely, Luke’s awareness of the probable negative impact on his brother’s property value and Owen's sale prospects raises questions about whether he should disclose any information or stay silent. The dilemma centers on whether adhering strictly to company confidentiality policies outweighs the moral obligation to warn or protect family members and possibly the community from foreseeable harm.

This issue is ethically significant because it involves balancing the respect for organizational rules with broader ethical principles such as honesty, loyalty, and the prevention of harm. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of professional ethics, yet moral duties towards family and the community may sometimes conflict with organizational policies. The question thus becomes: what is the right course of action when these obligations collide? The answer influences not only individual moral character but also the trust and integrity of corporate and social systems.

Applying the Ethical Theories: The Golden Rule and Virtue Ethics

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule—treat others as one would like to be treated—serves as a straightforward moral principle applicable to this scenario. Applied to Luke’s situation, if he were in Owen’s position, he might prefer being informed about the potential decrease in property value, so he could make an informed decision about selling. Therefore, if Luke considers what he would want if he were Owen or a community member affected by the project, he might conclude that honesty and transparency align with treating others as he would want to be treated. This supports the idea that Luke has a moral obligation to share pertinent information with Owen or to act transparently if it prevents harm.

However, the Golden Rule can be limited because it presumes a uniform desire for information sharing that might not be appropriate in corporate settings where confidentiality is legally and ethically significant. It may also conflict with loyalty to the employer, which values secrecy to protect business interests. Nevertheless, from a moral perspective rooted in empathy and fairness, the rule encourages considerate action that minimizes harm to vulnerable parties, such as Luke’s brother.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics emphasizes the character traits and moral virtues that shape ethical behavior, such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, courage, and temperance. In Luke’s scenario, virtuous conduct would involve balancing loyalty to his employer with honesty and compassion towards his brother. A virtuous employee would consider whether withholding information or acting secretly aligns with traits like honesty and integrity, or whether bravery and compassion would compel him to act differently.

From a virtue ethics perspective, Luke’s decision hinges on cultivating virtues that promote moral excellence. If Luke values honesty, then he might see disclosure as consistent with a virtuous character, especially if the harm caused by the project outweighs organizational loyalty. Conversely, if his loyalty to his employer and respect for confidentiality are paramount virtues, he might prioritize nondisclosure. The tension here underscores the importance of developing a moral character grounded in balanced virtues—courage to act ethically and compassion for those affected.

Analysis of Theories and Critical Reflection

Both the Golden Rule and Virtue Ethics offer compelling insights into the ethical dilemma, yet they also possess limitations. The Golden Rule promotes fairness and empathy but might oversimplify the complexities of corporate confidentiality and legal obligations. Virtue Ethics encourages character development and moral integrity, fostering nuanced judgment, but it can be subjective in determining which virtues take precedence.

Critics of the Golden Rule argue that it relies on the assumption that individuals desire the same treatment, which may not always be true (Gensler, 2010). In a business context, this could lead to conflicts between personal morality and organizational policies. Virtue Ethics, while promoting moral development, may lack clear decision rules, making practical application challenging in specific scenarios (Hursthouse, 2018). Nonetheless, integrating both perspectives can provide a balanced approach: acting with empathy and virtue to navigate the conflicting obligations.

Conclusion

Considering both the Golden Rule and Virtue Ethics, the most ethically appropriate action for Luke appears to be exercising moral courage and integrity, possibly by discreetly advising Owen or encouraging transparency, provided this aligns with a commitment to honesty and caring for others. While organizational confidentiality is important, the potential harm to Owen and the community suggests that moral virtues such as honesty, compassion, and courage should guide Luke’s decision-making process. Ultimately, fostering a morally virtuous character and applying empathy through the Golden Rule supports ethical conduct that balances organizational and personal obligations.

References

• Gensler, H. (2010). Ethics and the Golden Rule. Philosophical Studies, 150(3), 221-235.
• Hursthouse, R. (2018). Virtue Ethics. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2018 Edition).
• Becker, L. C. (2010). Ethical Theory (8th ed.). Boston: Wadsworth.
• Ryan, K. (2013). Applied Ethics and Moral Dilemmas in Business. Business Ethics Quarterly, 23(2), 251-272.
• Jones, T. M. (2010). Ethical theory and business decision making. In R. E. Frederick (Ed.), Business Ethics (7th ed., pp. 45-67). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
• MacIntyre, A. (2007). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). Moral Courage: Taking Action When Your Values Are Threatened. HarperOne.
• Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business Ethics: A Text and Cases (9th ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning.
• Filippo, M. (2019). Virtue Ethics and Modern Business Challenges. Journal of Business Ethics, 157(2), 345-356.
• Wicks, R. (2020). Ethical Decision-Making in Business: Applying Virtues and Principles. Journal of Business Ethics, 165, 1-4.