Ethical Dilemmas In Organizations

Definition of ethical dilemma

An ethical dilemma is an issue in decision-making ability between two likely alternatives, neither of which is accepted completely from an ethical viewpoint. An ethical dilemma considers that a person will follow societal rules like the codes of practices or any spiritual beliefs to make the moral choice. An ethical dilemma is an irony of selecting one alternative over another as both the choices clash with one another.

Ethical dilemma in business

Ethical concerns in business impact several aspects associated with a company’s usual operating standards. The theme of ethical issues in business is aimed at the actions a business undertakes and the policies that a business develops in its attempts to resolve the ethical questions that arise. A business must not only know the business dilemma but also know the reasons of the problems. This is because the business needs to resolve so that those does not occur later.

Ethical dilemmas are important in professional life since they regularly take place in an office. Some organizations follow their code of conduct and also ethical principles. Probably every feature of a company can turn into an issue of an ethical dilemma. It might comprise relationships with colleagues, customers and business partners.

The inability of an individual to resolve the conflict and find the ultimate solution might cause grave consequences for the firm. To resolve any ethical dilemma, organizations need to create strict ethical principles for their workers. It is also beneficial if the firms offer ethical training to the staff.

Ethical dilemma examples

The first instance is a moral conflict that workers have to experience while handling stress from the organization. The organization might aggressively make its workers and the leaders in using the wrong form of accounting. This might be conducted to increase the profits of the firm and to misinform the shareholders and analysts. The wrong marketing accounts can be used by the organization to mislead the customers and the general public regarding the company's monetary performance. In this instance, the workers will be going through an ethical dilemma. This is because they will be hassled by their leaders to engage in illegal and immoral business actions. If they refuse to do so, they might also lose their jobs. This is an instance of an ethical dilemma since workers have to choose between engaging in unfair practices or staying in the workplace. The workers have to make a tough decision from the perspective of moralities.

To make the right decision, in this case, the workers can consult the theory of Deontological Ethics. This theory revolves around the notion that people must be treated with respect and admiration without any prejudice since they have equal privileges. Workers have to think about their right to reject being a part of unlawful actions and altogether avoid the organisation's directions.

Examples of ethical conflicts

Ethical conflicts happen when people are faced with a conflict between their belief system regarding morality, justice or right and wrong and their circumstances. These conflicts can occur at a professional or personal level. For example, a worker can be friends with a colleague who has currently acted rudely with customers and has used racial slang. The worker is aware that he should report the incident. The situation is not simple as the reporting can use strict action, and his friend might lose the work. These aspects make the decision hard for the worker and develop the conditions of ethical conflict.

Conclusion

Businesses have to go through these conflicts every day. It is hard to believe that a business does not have to handle such difficult ironies. It is also important that companies implement a strict ethical principle for their workers and customers to follow.