Select One: Moral Philosophy, Teleology, Deontology, Relativ

Select One 1 Moral Philosophy Teleology Deontology Relativist Pe

Select one (1) moral philosophy (teleology, deontology, relativist perspective, virtue ethics, or justice) that has influenced the outcome of an ethical dilemma that you have witnessed. Provide one (1) example of the way in which this moral philosophy influenced the outcome of an ethical dilemma in a past or present organization. Note : Please do not identify workplaces or leaders by name. Examine Kohlberg’s stages of moral development. Determine the stage of Kohlberg’s moral development that your current, or past, organization and coworkers are in. Provide one (1) example of your current, or past, organization and coworkers that illustrates the stage of Kohlberg’s moral development. Note : Please do not identify workplaces or leaders by nam

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Moral philosophies serve as fundamental frameworks guiding individuals and organizations in resolving ethical dilemmas. These philosophies influence decision-making processes and shape organizational culture. Understanding how different ethical frameworks impact outcomes and recognizing the moral development stages of organizational members provide insights into ethical behavior within professional settings. This paper explores the influence of deontology on an organizational ethical dilemma and analyzes Kohlberg’s stages of moral development as exemplified by coworkers in a past organization.

Deontology and Ethical Decision-Making

Deontology, rooted in Kantian ethics, emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to moral rules regardless of consequences (Kant, 1785). It posits that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, and ethical decision-making involves following these moral imperatives. In organizational contexts, deontology often influences policies that prioritize honesty, fairness, and respect for individuals. For example, in a corporate setting, a manager faced an ethical dilemma when confronted with a decision to falsify financial reports to meet quarterly targets. Guided by deontological principles, the manager chose not to manipulate the data, adhering strictly to the moral duty of honesty. This decision upheld the company's integrity, despite potential short-term repercussions such as missed targets. The deontological approach in this scenario reinforced the importance of moral duty over consequential gains, fostering a culture of transparency and trust within the organization.

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development in Organizations

Kohlberg’s theory delineates moral development into six stages, categorized into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional (Kohlberg, 1981). Organizations and their employees often function at different stages based on their ethical reasoning. In my past organization, coworkers often demonstrated behaviors aligned with the conventional level, particularly Stage 3 (the "Good Boy" moral stage), where actions are guided by social approval and maintaining relationships. For instance, team members readily adhered to organizational policies and social norms to maintain harmony and earn approval from supervisors. An illustrative example involved a team member who reported minor safety violations by colleagues, motivated by a desire to be seen as responsible and compliant. This behavior underscored the influence of social expectations and organizational norms at this stage of moral reasoning.

Application of Kohlberg’s Theory and Ethical Philosophy

The application of deontology and Kohlberg’s stages of moral development within the organization highlights how ethical frameworks shape behavior. The deontological stance encouraged individuals to prioritize moral duties, like honesty and fairness, influencing decision-making in dilemmas involving integrity. Simultaneously, coworkers operating at Stage 3 of Kohlberg’s model aimed to uphold social harmony and organizational norms, which in turn fostered a cooperative work environment. Recognizing these influences assists in developing ethical leadership and cultivating a culture that promotes moral development across all levels of the organization.

Conclusion

In summary, deontology significantly impacts organizational responses to ethical dilemmas by emphasizing moral duty and integrity. Concurrently, Kohlberg’s stages of moral development provide a lens to understand the ethical reasoning of organizational members. By integrating these frameworks, organizations can foster ethical cultures that promote responsible decision-making, uphold moral standards, and support continuous moral growth among employees.

References

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