Ethical Principles: Ethical Dilemma - Kent State University

The leadership process is filled with daily ethical dilemmas/problems that do not have an easy
solution. Most decisions that leaders make involve some kind of choice. This choice involves a
judgment call focusing on values and beliefs. It is easy to take an ethical stance when rules are
being broken. It is much harder when others are bending the rules.
Let’s start by clarifying and defining some terms.
Values:
Core beliefs or desires that help guide an individual’s thoughts and actions
(Josephson, 2000).
A value:
Must be chosen freely
Is always chosen from among alternatives
Results from a choice made after thoughtful consideration of choices
Shows up in every aspect of our living
Has a persistence and assumes a pattern in our lives (Raths, Harmin & Simon)
Ethical Principles:
Ethical values that are translated into rules of conduct (Josephson, 2000).
Ethical Dilemma:
A situation where there is a conflict between values or principles and
a choice of action that needs to be decided.
Ethics:
The standards of conduct which indicate how one should behave
based on moral duties and virtues rising from principles of right and
wrong.
Refers to rules or standards of conduct (developed from values and ethical principles) for individuals
to use in determining how they should behave (Josephson, 2000).
Integrity:
The modern name used to describe the quality possessed by people who consistently act according
to a firmly established character pattern—people who do the right thing (Wakin, 1998).
Character:
A regular pattern of thought and action, especially with respect to concerns and commitments in
matters affecting the happiness of others and oneself, and especially in relation to moral choices
(Kupperman, 1991).

Ethical decisions require integrating multiple views and perspectives. You may find yourself in
a decision-making situation that involves a conflict between two values you hold. Here is some
information designed to assist you with your ethical decision making process.
Five Ethical Principles
1. Respect Autonomy: Individuals have the right to decide how they live their lives, as long as
their actions do not interfere with the welfare of others. One has the right to act as a free
agent and has the freedom of choice and thought.
2. Do No Harm: The obligation to avoid inflicting either physical or psychological harm on
others may be a primary ethical principle.
3. Benefit Others: There is an obligation to improve and enhance the welfare of others, even
when such enhancements may be inconvenient or limit the freedom of the person offering
the assistance.
4. Be Just: To be just in dealing with others assumes equal treatment of all, to afford each individual
their due portion.
5. Be Faithful: One should keep promises, tell the truth, be loyal, and maintain respect and civility
in human discourse. Only in so far as we sustain faithfulness can we expect to be seen
as being trustworthy.
Ethics Check:
1. Is it legal? Is it safe? Will I be violating civil law or university policy?
2. Is it balanced? Is it fair to all concerned? Does it promote win/win situations?
3. Could the decision become habit forming?
4. Does this choice lead to the greatest good for the greatest number?
5. If something terrible were to happen, could I defend my actions?
6. How will it make me feel about myself? Will it make me proud? Would I feel
good if my hometown newspaper published my decision? Would I feel good if my
family knew?
Adapted from UW-Madison Orientation training materials
Questions to Ask When Making an Ethical Decision
What are the relevant facts?
What is the ethical dilemma?
Who are the key stakeholders? How might they be affected by your decision/
options?
What are your options?
What are the potential risks/benefits of each option?
What is your decision/best action?
Can you, without hesitation, disclose your decision to your advisor/boss? Your
family? The media?
Resources
Josephson Institute, http://josephsoninstitute.org
Complete Guide to Ethics Management, http://www.mapnp.org/library/ethics/ethxgde.htm
Exploring Leadership, 2nd edition. Komives, S.R., Lucas, N. & McMahon, T.R. (2007). San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, Inc.