Personal Ethical Considerations Paper For Students

Personal Ethical Considerations Paper - Students Will Write About An Et

Personal Ethical Considerations Paper - Students will write about an ethical situation that they have encountered in their lives. Students will be asked to apply at least two of the APA standards as well as at least two of the Saint Leo University core values.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will discuss a personal ethical dilemma I encountered, analyze it using relevant APA standards of ethics, and reflect on how Saint Leo University’s core values can guide professional conduct. Sharing personal ethical experiences offers insight into moral reasoning and ethical decision-making, which are crucial in professional settings governed by specific standards and values.

The ethical dilemma I faced involved a situation where I discovered a co-worker was falsifying data in a project report. The incident occurred during my internship at a research firm when I noticed discrepancies between the data sheets and the final report submitted to the client. Addressing this dilemma required careful consideration of ethical principles, professional standards, and personal values. It was essential to determine the appropriate course of action that aligned with ethical practices and upheld integrity.

Applying the APA Ethics Code, I referred to Standard 3.04, which emphasizes maintaining objectivity and integrity in professional work, and Standard 4.01, which encourages psychologists to avoid harming clients or stakeholders directly or indirectly through misrepresentation. Although these standards are tailored for psychology, they underscore the importance of honesty and accuracy in all professional pursuits, including research and reporting. Recognizing the importance of these standards helped me understand that addressing misconduct aligns with a fundamental ethical obligation to uphold truthfulness and prevent harm.

In analyzing this dilemma, I considered several ethical dimensions. First, the obligation to report the falsification versus the potential repercussions for the colleague and the team. Second, the responsibility to ensure the accuracy of information disseminated to clients, which directly impacts their decisions and trust. Finally, the need to balance loyalty to the organization with adherence to ethical standards. Weighing these factors, I concluded that transparency and accountability are paramount, even when challenging, to maintain professional integrity and reputation.

Regarding alternative actions, I contemplated whether to confront the colleague directly, report the issue to a supervisor, or seek counsel from an ethics board or external advisor. Confronting the colleague could promote direct communication but risk damaging professional relationships. Reporting to a supervisor might ensure impartial review and protect ethical standards but could also lead to workplace tension. Consulting an ethics committee could provide guidance aligned with institutional policies. Ultimately, I chose to report the falsification to my supervisor, as this step supports transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical principles.

Saint Leo University’s core values—Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—provide a moral compass that guides ethical behavior. Respect compels acknowledgment of all individuals' dignity, including addressing misconduct fairly. Integrity emphasizes honesty and accountability, reinforcing the need to act truthfully and uphold moral principles. Service highlights putting others' interests and well-being ahead of personal motives, encouraging actions that protect stakeholders from harm. Excellence urges striving for the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Applying these core values to my dilemma, I recognized that respecting the colleague involved requires addressing the issue constructively rather than dismissively. Demonstrating integrity means being honest about what I observed and taking appropriate steps to rectify the situation. A commitment to service reminds me to consider the impact of falsification on clients and the broader community, underscoring the importance of truthful reporting. Pursuing excellence motivates me to uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure that my professional practice aligns with both ethical codes and core values.

In conclusion, reflecting on this ethical dilemma has reinforced the importance of adhering to established standards such as those outlined in the APA Code of Ethics and practicing the core values promoted by Saint Leo University. Ethical behavior is foundational to establishing trust, credibility, and professionalism in any career. By applying ethical standards and embracing core values, professionals can navigate complex moral situations responsibly, ensuring their actions promote integrity and serve the greater good.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
  • Saint Leo University. (n.d.). Core Values. Retrieved from https://www.saintleo.edu/core-values
  • Banks, S. (2019). Ethical dilemmas and decision making in nursing and healthcare. John Wiley & Sons.
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