Purpose:
Now that you understand the importance of recognizing ethical dilemmas when doing the work of leadership, and how essential it is to separate them from moral temptations, start thinking about an ethical dilemma in one of your systems. You will apply Kidder’s nine checkpoints to the ethical dilemma of your choosing in a 3-4-page paper.
Assignment:
Step 1:
Apply checkpoints #1-3 from Kidder’s nine checkpoints for ethical decision making.
- Identify an ethical dilemma one of your systems is currently facing. (Kidder checkpoint #1 for ethical decision making)
- In your description, tell us who the actors are/who the problem belongs to. (Kidder checkpoint #2)
- What are some relevant facts about the dilemma itself? (Kidder checkpoint #3)
Step 2:
Apply checkpoints #4-8 from Kidder’s nine checkpoints for ethical decision making.
- Explain how your dilemma passes ALL four right vs. wrong tests. (Kidder checkpoint #4)
- Go beyond just explaining the situation and identify how ALL four right vs. right paradigms apply to this dilemma and explain why. If you feel like some of the four right vs. right paradigms do not apply, make sure to tell us why. (Kidder checkpoint #5)
- Determine what possible solutions for your dilemma would look like using ALL three resolution principles and explain each in detail. (Kidder checkpoint #6)
- Now think outside of the box! Is there a fourth alternative, commonly referred to by Kidder as the “trilemma”? If not, why? If so, what would that alternative look like – explain in detail. (Kidder checkpoint #7)
- Finally, make your decision. Clearly explain the action that you would take or recommend others take to solve/resolve this dilemma. Go into detail here, identifying which of the resolution principles you ultimately chose. (Kidder checkpoint #8)
Step 3:
Apply checkpoint #9 from Kidder’s nine checkpoints for ethical decision making.
Reflect and revisit your decision (Kidder checkpoint #9 for ethical decision making).
- Considering what you now know about ethical decision making as well as your “why” justification for the appropriate right vs. right paradigm from Step 2, explain to us why you chose the action that you did.
- To the best of your ability, use the language of ethical decision making utilized by Kidder.
- As you reflect, pay special attention to the three ways of thinking about ethical decision making (Kidder checkpoint #6). Justify the resolution principle you chose. What made it the “best choice” for your dilemma? What does that resolution principle leave out? Are there options beyond the three theories presented? What might they add to the way you consider the dilemma?
Tips for Sucess:
- Make sure to read all the prompts carefully. You must answer ALL questions to receive the full points on this assignment.
- Make sure to read Kidder’s Chapter 1 (attached in Module 2 on Canvas) and look at the checkpoint graphic.
- Also, watch the ethics lecture video before starting this assignment.
Total Points: 50 points
This assignment will be assessed with the following KU Core 34 Social and Behavioral Sciences rubric measures: Design in process, acquiring competencies, analysis, conclusions.
