Story -3

This story uses semiotics that is the symbols and signs to describe the impact of a decision made by
manager and where I was forced to follow it. In this story will be using ethical thinking to explain
ethical framework and ethical canvas, which gives a quick decision whether to follow my managers
decision and about its impact on it and its dependents.

Ethical thinking is described as building a socially oriented and strong personal outlook which helps
in managing conflict, context, uncertainty. It helps to develop an understanding and awareness of
behaviour and values and its influence on others (Ethical understanding 2021). Five different
approaches are developed to deal with ethical issues, which include: 1. The Utilitarian approach 2.
The common good approach 3. The virtue approach 4. The common good approach 5. Ethical
problem solving (Velasquez 2015).

Aboriginal symbols and signs are a visual metalanguage, which acts as building blocks for memory
and creation of a dynamic and cross-cultural meaning. Symbols and images help in understanding
and to remember new concepts. It is a metaphor with images which are created orally and visually
to support and learn new concepts (Aboriginal Pedagogy 2021).

Ethics Reasoning Framework: 5 Reasons you ought to do X rather than Y

because:
1. X has good consequences

Utilitarian principle Greatest good (happiness) for

the greatest number.
Risk aversion principle Take the action that produces
the least harm.

2. X is Virtuous

“Much invaluable action guidance comes from

avoiding courses of action that would be
irresponsible, feckless, lazy, inconsiderate,
harsh, intolerant, selfish, mercenary, indiscreet,
tactless, arrogant, unsympathetic, cold,
incautious, unenterprising, pusillanimous,
feeble, presumptuous, rude, hypocritical, self-
indulgent, materialistic, grasping, short-sighted,
vindictive, calculating, ungrateful, grudging,
brutal, profligate, disloyal, and on and on.”
https://plato.stanford.edu/entiries/ethics-
virtual/

3. X is in line with Society’s aspirations & laws

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-
human-rights/index.html

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 Ethical Rules Rights and Obligations on Nation States
https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-
depth/human-rights/
Australian Human Rights Commission
https://www.humanrights.gov.au
The Privacy Act
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A03712
Technology Rules Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
General Data Protection Regulation
Other Sources of Laws – contracting to do things for example
Rules Religious teaching, etiquette, clubs & society,
university…

4. X is in line with Professional Standards

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Code of Professional Conduct

1. The Primacy of the You will place the interests of
Public Interest the public above those of
personal, business or sectional
interests.
2. The Enhancement of You will strive to enhance the
Quality of Life quality of life of those affected
by your work.
3. Honesty You will be honest in your
representation of skills,
knowledge, services and
products.
4. Competence You will work competently and
diligently for your
stakeholders.
5. Professional You will enhance your own
Development professional development, and
that of your staff.
6. Professionalism You will enhance the integrity
of the ACS

5. X passes the ‘pub test’

Golden rule Do unto others as you would

have them do unto you
Owning-up test Would I be proud to tell my
mum, or be interviewed on
TV?
Gut test Do I feel uncomfortable at all,
am I sure it’s right?

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 Rough Ethics Canvas: {title goes here}
List each 1.Consequential 2.Society’s 3.Virtues 4.Professional 5.Pub test
Stakeholde (Benefits and Harms) standards (rights, Standards
r obligations)

References:

1. Ethical understanding, viewed 13 September 2021,

<https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/ethical-
understanding/>.
2. Velasquez, M 2015, "Thinking ethically", MARKKULA CENTER FOR APPLIED ETHICS.
3. Aboriginal Pedagogy, viewed 13 September 2021, <https://www.8ways.online/about>.