A dilemma arises in a situation that requires a choice by an individual, between two contrasting options, which choice is difficult to make due to a conflict within the individual’s cognitive processes on what to do (Cambridge Dictionary, 2016). Hence, ethical dilemmas will always arise when the conflict at hand is based on moral principles that govern an individual’s behaviour i.e. choosing what would the right thing (doing good) or the wrong thing (causing harm) to do is in the present situation (Paul & Elder, 2006).
Karen’s three “elements for existence of an ethical dilemma” are (Karen , 2012);
i. An individual (the “agent”) is presented with a situation requiring the best possible course of action. …show more content…
Discussion
Ethical dilemmas at the work place; Case 2- how much should key staff get away with?
The points to consider during the ensuing discourse state thus;
• As a line manager of a team of staff in the finance department of an organisation I am suspicious of fraudulent claims by a member of the team that has exhibited stellar performance in her role. She maybe submitting fraudulent claims of sums in the hundreds of thousands more than she actually spends, albeit, a tiny fraction of the profits she generates for the company but, which is still fraud.
• This staff member has consistently generated far more income for the company than any other staff in the department (i.e. she is a valuable employee).
• Because of her performance, rival companies have made propositions to her in order to enlist her in their ranks (The organisation may lose her if she isn’t “handled well”). So far, this employee has rejected these advances, to my relief and to that of the …show more content…
The most important step is determining whether an ethical issue arises and if a dilemma actually exists, which, in this scenario, the student opines that it does. Being a stellar performer at work and making the organisation profitable doesn’t make fraud acceptable. Every organisation has clearly set dos and don’ts that need to be adhered to in order to achieve a semblance of compliance to business practices.
After determining the existence of an ethical issue or an ethical dilemma, there needs to be the identification and ranking of key values and principles involved. In this case, the underlying value is falsification of financial records for individual gain. It is a dishonest act that can have far more reaching implications even if it is a small fraction of what the staff member contributes in terms of profit to the company- which she is paid for. Dishonesty goes against my principles of integrity and as it is quoted in the King James Bible, the book of Proverbs chapter 22:1, “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold”. I would have the integrity of the company and my own integrity to preserve and this is ranked highest on my