Ethical Dilemmas at work place

 Ethical dilemmas at the workplace refer to situations where individuals or organizations have to make a choice between two or more conflicting moral values or principles. These dilemmas arise when there is a conflict between the interests of different stakeholders, or when ethical principles clash with other considerations such as power, authority, secrecy, confidentiality, trust, and loyalty. Some of the common ethical dilemmas that individuals and organizations face in the workplace include:

• Power and authority: This dilemma arises when individuals or organizations have to balance the exercise of power and authority with the ethical principles of fairness, justice, and respect for human dignity. For example, a manager who has the power to make hiring and firing decisions may face an ethical dilemma when deciding whether to hire a less qualified candidate who is a personal friend or to hire a more qualified candidate who is a stranger.
• Secrecy and confidentiality: This dilemma arises when individuals or organizations have to balance the need for secrecy and confidentiality with the ethical principles of transparency, honesty, and accountability. For example, a healthcare professional who is bound by patient confidentiality may face an ethical dilemma when deciding whether to disclose information about a patient's condition to a third party.
• Trust and loyalty: This dilemma arises when individuals or organizations have to balance the need for trust and loyalty with the ethical principles of fairness, honesty, and integrity. For example, an employee who is asked to cover up a mistake made by a colleague may face an ethical dilemma when deciding whether to remain loyal to the colleague or to report the mistake.
• Conflict of interest: This dilemma arises when individuals or organizations have to balance their personal interests with their professional responsibilities. For example, a financial advisor who is also a shareholder in a company may face an ethical dilemma when deciding whether to recommend an investment in that company to a client.

To address ethical dilemmas at the workplace, organizations need to have clear ethical policies and procedures in place. They also need to provide employees with the necessary training and resources to help them make ethical decisions. It is also important for organizations to foster a culture of ethical behavior by recognizing and rewarding ethical conduct and by promoting open communication and transparency.

In conclusion, ethical dilemmas are a common occurrence in the workplace, and they require individuals and organizations to balance competing ethical principles and values. By developing clear ethical policies and procedures, providing training and resources, and promoting a culture of ethical behavior, organizations can help individuals make ethical decisions that uphold the principles of fairness, honesty, and integrity.

References:

Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2016). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. John Wiley & Sons.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Bowie, N. E. (2013). Ethical theory and business. Pearson