Ethical Dilemma
Purpose
To be able to clearly identify the core ethical conflict or tension within a business or organizational decision—that is, the ethical dilemma—we need to develop moral awareness to be able to “see” that an actual problem exists.
Key Concepts
This step helps you move beyond facts and stakeholders into the moral dimensions of the issue. Ethical tensions often arise from competing values, such as fairness versus efficiency or loyalty versus innovation. Recognizing these tensions gives you the insight needed to evaluate alternatives in a more ethical and informed way.
Being morally aware requires practice and the recognition that actions and decisions are anchored within our own values, which in turn are anchored within the society we live in. Understanding an ethical dilemma is therefore the first step in seeing that a situation is not simply a question of right or wrong, but more so a situation rooted in context and in conflicting perspectives and goals.
In Practice
Example Scenario
At NexaTech, the central ethical dilemma is whether it is right to prioritize efficiency and cost savings over employee welfare and community stability. The layoffs might improve shareholder satisfaction but undermine NexaTech’s values of social responsibility. Some leaders argue that the AI shift is necessary to remain competitive. Others worry it sets a precedent that devalues human labour. The ethical situation is complicated, with no obvious right answer.
Tips and Tools
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- Use different ethical lenses
- Reflect on how they contrast in their assessment of the situation
- Reflect on how a particular theory may not be useful to understand the situation
Next Step
Now that you have analyzed the current ethical tensions that exist in the situation, the next step is to map out all stakeholders affected by the decision and understand their needs and concerns.
When you’re ready, continue to the next part of the process.
Proceed to: Stakeholders →
