Exploring Ethical Theories and Identifying Warning Signs in Decision-Making

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We will talk about our assigned text and article readings (see Syllabus for links).
This week’s Canvas discussion should include the assigned Collins/Kanashiro reading (chap. 6), Ganesan (chap. 4), and articles listed on the syllabus to fully discuss some critical ethical concerns and business situations using at least one of the Moral Intensity examples.
C&K Chap. 6: Ethical Decision-Making (Business Ethics: Best Practices for Designing & Managing Ethical Organizations (3rd ed. 2021) Denis Collins; Patricia Kanashiro (SAGE Pub. – 9781544396828 print / 9781544396842 eText)
Ganesan: Chap. 4 (The Business Case for AI (2022) Kavita Ganesan, PhD (Opinosis Analytics Pub. – 9781544528724)
Waser, M. R. (2012). Safety and morality require the recognition of self-improving machines as moral/justice patients & agents. (OneSearch: https://library.sfsu.edu/)
Rossi, F. (2019). Building Trust in Artificial Intelligence. (Canvas)
U.S. article: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/ai-bill-of-rights
This memo will assist your analysis using the highlighted ethical theories in the chapter by comparing / contrasting their strengths/weaknesses.
We will discuss further in class!
1. What are the individual strengths of each of the six ethical theories?
2. What are some of the warning signs of that an unethical decision is approaching? Why?

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!


Step 1: Understand the Prompt

The discussion is based on various readings, each focusing on critical ethical concerns in business. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Review the Readings:

    • Collins/Kanashiro (Chap. 6): Focus on ethical decision-making and how organizations can design ethical systems.
    • Ganesan (Chap. 4): Look at the business case for AI and the ethical implications it raises.
    • Other Articles: These articles highlight different aspects of AI and ethics, such as AI’s role in safety and trust.
  2. Theories of Ethics:

    • The goal is to understand and compare the strengths of six ethical theories and discuss warning signs that unethical decisions might be approaching.
  3. Moral Intensity: Incorporate one of the Moral Intensity examples in your response, as it’s a crucial concept in ethical decision-making.


Step 2: Break Down the Key Concepts

  1. Six Ethical Theories: Each of these theories will have its own strengths. Your job is to identify them by reviewing the readings and analyzing how they can apply to real-world business situations. The six ethical theories might include:

    • Utilitarianism: Focuses on outcomes and the greatest good.
    • Deontological Ethics: Centers on duty and rules.
    • Virtue Ethics: Emphasizes moral character and integrity.
    • Ethical Relativism: Argues that ethics are dependent on cultural or individual contexts.
    • Care Ethics: Focuses on relationships and care for others.
    • Contractualism: Stresses mutual agreements and fairness.
  2. Warning Signs of Unethical Decisions:

    • Ethical lapses often appear when decision-makers ignore or rationalize ethical concerns. Common warning signs include:
      • Conflict of Interest: Decision-makers may have personal interests that conflict with organizational ethics.
      • Lack of Transparency: Hiding information or not providing adequate justification for decisions.
      • Pressure for Profits: The focus on profit over ethics can lead to poor decision-making.
      • Avoiding Responsibility: When individuals or organizations fail to take responsibility for decisions or actions.
      • Cultural or Group Bias: When unethical behavior is normalized or overlooked by the group.

Step 3: Structure Your Response

  1. Introduction:

    • Introduce the concept of ethics in decision-making within businesses, referencing the assigned readings.
    • Mention that you will explore the six ethical theories and identify the signs of unethical decision-making.
  2. Main Body:

    • Ethical Theories: Identify and discuss the individual strengths of each of the six ethical theories. Provide examples from the readings where these theories are applied or discussed.
    • Warning Signs of Unethical Decisions: Discuss the warning signs, supported by examples from the articles or your own analysis. Explain why these signs indicate an approaching unethical decision.
  3. Conclusion:

    • Summarize the main points and offer insights into how understanding these ethical theories and warning signs can help in real-world business decision-making.

Step 4: Writing Tips

  • Be Clear and Focused: Your task is to explain complex ethical theories and decision-making processes, so make sure each point is well-explained.
  • Use Examples: Use real-world business situations or examples from the readings to illustrate how these theories can be applied and why certain decisions may become unethical.
  • Support Your Ideas: Reference the readings appropriately to back up your assertions. Don’t just summarize; provide analysis based on the readings.
  • Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity before submitting your work.

Step 5: Review and Edit

  • Check for Completeness: Make sure you’ve covered all required elements, including the discussion of theories, warning signs, and real-world examples.
  • APA Style: Ensure proper formatting and citation in APA style.
  • Length: Ensure the paper is the right length. If it is too short or too long, adjust accordingly.

Final Tip:

  • Reflect Deeply: Ethics in business can be complex. It’s essential to think critically about how ethical theories can guide decisions and how warning signs of unethical behavior can be addressed.
  • Stay Focused: Don’t get sidetracked with irrelevant points. Keep the discussion centered on the ethical decision-making process and its real-world applications.

Good luck with your assignment!

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