ETHICAL DILEMMA

Ethics in business has to do with making the right choices - often there is no apparent
one right way and one must choose the best in the circumstances. Managers are
sometimes faced with business choices that create tensions between ethics and profits, or
between their private gain and the public good. Any decision where moral considerations
are relevant can potentially give rise to an ethical dilemma , for example:

 A decision that requires a choice between rules

 A decision where there is no rule, precedent or example to follow

 A decision that morally requires two or more courses of action, which are in
practice incompatible with each other.

 A decision that should be taken in one’s self-interest, but which appears to violate
a moral principle that you support.
There are three conditions that must be present for a situation to be considered an
ethical dilemma.

The first condition occurs in situations when an individual, called the “agent,” must
make a decision about which course of action is best. Situations that are uncomfortable but
that don’t require a choice, are not ethical dilemmas. For example, students in their
internships are required to be under the supervision of an appropriately credentialed social
work field instructor. Therefore, because there is no choice in the matter, there is no ethical
violation or breach of confidentiality when a student discusses a case with the supervisor.

The second condition for ethical dilemma is that there must be different courses of
action to choose from.

The Third condition, in an ethical dilemma, no matter what course of action is taken,
some ethical principle is compromised. In other words, there is no perfect solution.
EXAMPLE :
What is an ethical dilemma?
It is a Conflict between :

 one’s personal and professional values

 two values/ethical principles
 two possible actions each with reasons strongly favorable and unfavorable
 two unsatisfactory alternatives
 one’s values/principles and one’s perceived role
 the need to act and the need to reflect

You cannot completely avoid ethical dilemmas :

 It is best to prepare yourself for them

 by examining your own values from time to time and learning all you can
about

 how past ethical problems in your placement settings were resolved.

How do I avoid rushing into ethical dilemmas?

 Develop a working knowledge of the Code of Practice

(by necessity they cannot be specific to every possible ethics violation)

 By anticipating likely trouble spots before they occur

How do I resolve ethical dilemmas?

 The first step is recognizing the problem and identifying the source of the
conflict.

 You also must keep all parties informed of your legal and ethical
obligations.

 Engage clients or involved parties in dialogue, and brainstorm the “best”

course of action.

 Make sure you are constantly keeping in mind the mission of the profession

 Observing the client’s right to self-determination.

 If you are still unclear about what to do, discuss the situation with your
senior.
 Protect the identity of the client if necessary, and present the situation as a
“hypothetical” case if you need external help.