Tough Ethical Choices

Click here to view a video on business ethics and social responsibility in the work place.

Making ethical decisions is often problematic. Many choices involve conflicting principles, interests and values:

Following Orders or Ethical Principles: Your supervisor or boss may ask you to do something which you consider unethical. Should you stand up to your boss and perhaps get fired? Should you compromise your principles and do what you are told? What if the boss says he will take all responsibility? What if the action is illegal?

Whistle Blowing or Stonewalling: Perhaps you discover that your supervisor or boss is doing something unethical. Should you blow the whistle and put your job at risk? Should you forget what you have learned and let the boss answer for his or her own unethical acts? What if you do not have clear evidence of wrong-doing? What if you know that others are doing the same unethical act?

Friendship or Personal Gain: You may have to choose between personal gain and friendship. For instance, you and a friend are competing for the same promotion. You have information about your friend which would influence the decision in your favour. Should you compromise your friendship and disclose this information, or should you remain silent? What if you are convinced that he or she would be a bad choice for the job and that you are clearly the better choice?

Friendship or Ethical Principles: Sometimes you may discover that your friends are breaking laws or workplace rules. Should you turn them in and risk their friendship? Should you ignore their unethical acts? Should you expect others to go along with you if they do not agree?

Principles or Employment: You may feel strongly about certain principles. Then, you discover that your employer violates them. For example, you believe a company should be environmentally responsible but discover your employer pollutes. Should you quit your job and try to find another with a more responsible employer? Should you compromise your principles to keep your job or perhaps work from within to combat pollution?

Social Acceptance or Principles: You may find yourself being pressured into doing something unethical because everyone else is doing it. Friends and peers may pressure you into taking sick days even if you are healthy. They may get you to slow down at work, so you do not embarrass slower workers.