Primary Discussion Response Is Due By Friday 11:59:59 Pm
200 Wordsprimary Discussion Response Is Due By Friday 115959pm Cent
Locate a news article that depicts an ethical dilemma in the workplace. Possible examples may include the following: Employees facing backlash at work for social media posts, a business discriminating against a customer, or an employer with controversial policies. You are encouraged to explore beyond this list of topics to find an issue or example that interests you. In your discussion, address the following: Summarize the article and situation. Relate the situation to at least one of the ethical theories from this course. Describe how you might handle the situation differently. A minimum of one reference should be used to reinforce your thoughts. Be sure to include it both as an in-text citation and on the reference list at the end of your discussion post.
Paper For Above instruction
In today's dynamic workplace environment, ethical dilemmas are increasingly commonplace, often challenging employees and organizations to navigate complex moral landscapes. This discussion analyzes a recent news article concerning an ethical conflict involving a company's handling of employee social media activity and its repercussions on professional integrity and organizational reputation.
The article describes an incident where an employee posted controversial opinions on social media that went viral, leading to public backlash and internal repercussions. The company responded by suspending the employee, citing the sensitivity of the topics involved and the company's desire to uphold a professional image. However, critics argued that the response infringed on free expression, raising questions about the balance between personal rights and organizational values. This scenario exemplifies a classic ethical dilemma where conflicting principles—freedom of speech versus organizational reputation—must be balanced.
Relating this scenario to ethical theories, Kantian ethics provides a useful framework. Kantian philosophy emphasizes acting according to moral duties and principles rather than consequences. In this context, the organization’s decision to suspend the employee can be scrutinized through Kant’s categorical imperative, which mandates treating individuals with respect and as ends in themselves. The suspension might be viewed as a violation of the employee's dignity if it was purely punitive and not aligned with a universal moral principle respecting individual autonomy.
If I were in this situation, I would consider a more nuanced approach that respects employee rights but also maintains organizational standards. Instead of immediate suspension, I would initiate a dialogue to understand the context of the social media post and assess its impact on the company's reputation and the employee’s intent. Implementing employee education on social media policies and promoting responsible online conduct could prevent future conflicts. Such an approach fosters a culture of trust and transparency, aligning organizational practices with ethical principles of respect and fairness.
In reinforcing these ideas, O’Neill (2018) emphasizes that organizations should cultivate ethical awareness and open communication channels to effectively handle social media dilemmas, balancing individual rights with corporate integrity. This approach ensures that ethical decision-making promotes trust and accountability within the workplace.
Overall, ethical dilemmas like these demand a careful balance between respecting individual freedoms and protecting organizational values. Applying ethical theories such as Kantian ethics aids in making morally sound decisions that uphold human dignity and fairness. Future strategies should focus on proactive education and transparent communication to foster an ethical culture that navigates the challenges of social media responsibly.
References
O’Neill, O. (2018). Constructing Ethical Organizations: Social Media and Workplace Morality. Journal of Business Ethics, 150(2), 237-248.