Week 4 Discussion: Moral Philosophies - Select One Moral Phi

Week 4 Discussion Moral Philosophiesselect One Moral Philosophy Tel

Week 4 Discussion - Moral Philosophies Select one 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 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.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of ethical decision-making within organizations, moral philosophies serve as guiding principles that shape responses to complex dilemmas. Among these philosophies, deontology has notably influenced organizational outcomes by emphasizing adherence to moral duties and principles over consequential considerations. This essay explores the impact of deontological ethics on an ethical dilemma encountered within a corporate setting, illustrating how this moral framework directed the resolution of the issue.

Deontology, founded on the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, asserts that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes. This perspective prioritizes moral duties, rights, and principles, often emphasizing honesty, fairness, and respect for individuals. In organizational contexts, deontological principles can significantly influence decisions, particularly when ethical standards conflict with business interests or external pressures.

An illustrative case involves a company facing an internal ethical dilemma concerning the disclosure of product defects. During a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny, quality assurance managers discovered a defect in a product that could potentially harm consumers. The immediate dilemma centered on whether to report the defect, risking financial repercussions and damage to the company's reputation, or to conceal the defect, thereby prioritizing short-term organizational interests. Guided by deontological ethics, the decision-makers adhered to the moral duty of honesty and transparency. They recognized that concealing a defect violated moral principles of truthfulness and respect for consumer safety, which are inherently right actions regardless of corporate profit implications.

Consequently, the organization chose to voluntarily disclose the defect to regulators and customers, prioritizing ethical imperatives over short-term financial consequences. This act of transparency reinforced the company's commitment to integrity and built long-term trust with stakeholders, despite the immediate costs. The deontological approach thus influenced the outcome by providing a clear moral framework that emphasized doing what is ethically right irrespective of potential adverse consequences.

This example underscores how deontological ethics can shape organizational responses to ethical dilemmas. By upholding moral duties and principles, organizations can foster a culture of integrity and accountability. However, implementing deontology also requires balancing conflicting duties and recognizing that unwavering adherence to principles may sometimes lead to complex trade-offs. Nonetheless, the example demonstrates that deontology plays a vital role in guiding ethical decision-making in organizational practice.

References

• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Prussia: Johann Friedrich Hartknoch.
• Hare, R. M. (1981). Moral Thinking: Its Levels, Method, and Point. Oxford University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn, West Strand.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Bowden, V. (2017). Corporate ethics and social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 142(2), 241-255.
• Schmidt, S. W. (1992). Ethics in business: A new perspective. Business Horizons, 35(4), 16-22.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Choices. HarperOne.
• Ryan, M. (2000). Ethical dilemmas in organizational decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 29(2), 151-164.
• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business Ethics (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, C. E. (2018). Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership. Sage Publications.