Transcript EthicalProblemSolvingTechniquesII

Ethical Problem
Solving Techniques II
Luis Alvarez
Jose Ruiz
LaKausha Simpson
Michelle Woomer
Agenda
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Conflict Problems
Bribery vs. Gifts
Analyzing the
Situation
Avoiding Bribes
The Agnew Case
Conflict Problems
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3 Considerations for Resolution
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Health and safety above all
“Creative” middle way
Bite the bullet (go with your gut)
The Challenger Decision
Conflict Problems
Step 1: Rethinking and Critiquing
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What we know (at that time):
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O-ring performance at lower temperatures
is ambiguous at best
The temperature is drastically lower than
the O-ring has ever been tested at
If the O-ring fails, the shuttle can explode
Our Solution: Yes there is a chance that
lives will be lost. DO NOT LAUNCH
NASA Solution: Let’s move on to step 2.
Conflict Problems
Step 2: Can We Compromise?
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What we know (at that time):
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Cancellation can result in loss of funding
Delaying the launch may be impossible due
to mission timing
Informing astronauts of the risk and allow
them decide to proceed or decline
Our Solution: Inform the astronauts of
the risks involved and give them the
option to walk
NASA Solution: Let’s move on to step 3
Conflict Problems
Step 3: Bite the Bullet
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What we know (at the time):
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If launch goes well, everybody is happy
If launch goes wrong, results are worse
than consequences of cancellation
If launch is stopped, jobs are lost
Our Solution: People can find new jobs;
do not risk the astronauts
NASA Solution: Launch…
Bribery vs. Gifts
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Since the difference between a gift and
a bribe can be ambiguous, it is
important to avoid even the appearance
of a bribe
Bribery is illegal because it inhibits
competition of a free market economy
Bribery vs. Gifts
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Bribery – the practice of offering
something, usually money, in order to
gain an illicit advantage
Gift – something that is bestowed
voluntarily and without compensation
Bribery vs. Gifts
Examples of…
Bribes
Large sums of money
and items of large
monetary values often
cross that fine line
Gifts
Coffee mugs, t-shirts,
and pens are often seen
as simple promotional
items
Analyzing the Situation
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3 Issues to Analyze
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Factual Issue
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Conceptual Issue
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Who offered the gift?
What is its purpose and value?
When was it offered?
Determine if the gift has enough value to influence
decision
Moral Issue
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Once the facts and concepts are analyzed, the moral
issues are clear
Avoiding Bribes
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How can you determine if something is
a bribe or gift?
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Use line drawing technique
Use flow chart to examine consequences of
actions
Adhere to company policy
Seek approval from management
Avoiding Bribes
New York Times Test
“Could your actions withstand the scrutiny of a
newspaper reporter? Could you stand to see
your name in the newspaper in an article
about a gift you received? If you couldn’t
easily defend your action without resorting to
self-serving rationalizations, then you
probably shouldn’t do it.”
The Agnew Case
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Background
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A little goes a long way
Big payoffs
Tax evasions
First vice presidency resignation
The Agnew Case
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Reasons to avoid this situation
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Long term costs
Ruined reputations
Never know who you can trust
Immorality
The Agnew Case
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The Right Path
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Allow talent and skills to be your advantage
Abide by the law
Use common sense
QUESTIONS??