OPEN UNIVERSITY SYSTEMS

Lingayen, Pangasinan

MASTER IN DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

MAJOR IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

FDM 202 ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Second Semester, SY 2023-2024

FDM 202 ACTIVITY #3

“COMPREHENSIVE DISCUSSION”

Submitted by:

(JANICE D. JARANILLA)
MDM Student

Submitted to:

DR. RRICKY TIM S. SISON

Professor, FDM 202

(March 9, 2024)
ACTIVITY #3

1. Justice: (25 points)

Explain the principle of justice in ethics. How does justice relate to fairness and the
equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in society? Provide examples of how justice
is applied in different contexts.

The principle of justice in ethics refers to the fair and impartial treatment of
individuals, as well as the distribution of benefits and burdens within a society. Justice
entails ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, and that resources, opportunities, and
privileges are distributed in an equitable and impartial manner. Justice relates to fairness
and the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in society by ensuring that
individuals are treated fairly, and that resources, opportunities, and responsibilities are
distributed in a way that is impartial and just.
Justice is a multifaceted concept that can be applied in a variety of situations.
Here are some examples of how justice is applied in various contexts:
In Legal aspects- A criminal justice system that ensures fair and impartial trials, legal
representation, and proportionate punishments for offenders. Legal justice involves
upholding the rights of individuals and ensuring that the legal process is free from bias.
In Distributive Justice- A Social welfare programs that aim to distribute resources and
benefits to address economic inequalities. Progressive taxation, affordable housing
initiatives, and food assistance programs are examples of distributive justice in the
economic context.
In Educational Justice- Implementing policies that promote equal access to quality
education for all individuals, regardless of their background. This can involve addressing
disparities in funding, providing support for underprivileged students, and ensuring that
educational opportunities are distributed fairly.
In Healthcare Justice-Policies that strive for equal access to healthcare services and
resources. This may include efforts to reduce healthcare disparities based on
socioeconomic factors, ethnicity, or geographic location, ensuring that everyone has the
opportunity to receive adequate medical care.
In Social Justice-Advocating for policies and initiatives that aim to eliminate
discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all members of society. This includes
addressing systemic inequalities based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other
social factors.
 These examples demonstrate the various applications of justice in various
domains, emphasizing the importance of fairness, equality, and the equitable distribution
of benefits and burdens in establishing just societies.

2. Respect for Persons: (25 points)

What is the significance of the principle of respect for persons in ethics? How does
this principle relate to concepts of dignity, rights, and worth of individuals? Provide
real-life examples to support your explanation.

According to Belmont Report “respect for persons incorporates at least two

ethical convictions: first, that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents, and
second, that persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection. The principle
of respect for persons thus divides into two separate moral requirements: the requirement
to acknowledge autonomy and the requirement to protect those with diminished
autonomy.” The Belmont Report defines an autonomous person as "an individual capable
of deliberation about personal goals and of acting under the direction of such
deliberation." Respecting an individual's autonomy entails allowing them to develop
opinions, make choices, and act as they see fit, unless their actions are clearly detrimental
to others. To treat persons with respect is to treat them as beings who are morally self-
determining. People must never be used simply as a means to the ends of others, but
always as ends in themselves.

Respect for people is a basic ethical idea that is frequently connected to research
ethics and bioethics. It is a crucial part of frameworks and ethical guidelines like the
Belmont Report, which offers moral principles and guidelines for studies involving human
subjects. The value of the respect for persons principle is broad and significant in many
contexts, such as everyday ethical concerns, research, and medical practice. Here are
some salient features of its significance.

Autonomy and Individual Dignity:

Respect for persons emphasizes the autonomy and dignity of individuals. It
acknowledges that individuals have the right to make their own choices and decisions
about their lives, particularly in matters that concern their own well-being.

Informed Consent:
In the context of research and medical practice, the principle of respect for persons
is closely linked to the concept of informed consent. Individuals should be provided with
all relevant information about a particular situation or medical intervention, enabling them
to make informed decisions about participating in research or undergoing medical
procedures.
Protection of Vulnerable Populations:
This principle underscores the need for special consideration and protection for
individuals who may be vulnerable or have diminished autonomy, such as children,
mentally ill individuals, or those who are incapacitated. It requires researchers and
healthcare professionals to take extra precautions to safeguard the rights and well-being
of these populations.
Confidentiality and Privacy:
Respecting persons also involves safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality.
This is crucial in healthcare settings, where individuals may share sensitive information
with healthcare providers. Protecting this information is a way of honoring the individuals'
trust and maintaining their autonomy.

Cultural Sensitivity:
The principle of respect for persons extends to recognizing and respecting cultural
differences. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging diverse
cultural values and beliefs when providing healthcare or conducting research.
Legal and Ethical Rights:

Respecting persons aligns with legal and ethical frameworks that recognize and
protect individual rights. This includes legal rights to privacy, autonomy, and freedom of
choice.

Here are some real-life Examples:

1. In a public health initiative, a government agency prioritizes respect for people by
protecting citizens' privacy and autonomy during data collection. Transparent
communication ensures that individuals' information is kept confidential. The
agency runs multilingual awareness campaigns that respect cultural diversity and
empower citizens to make informed decisions about their participation. This
approach exemplifies the principle of respect for persons in a government setting
by prioritizing individual rights and preferences.

2. As registrar staff at PSU responsible for implementing a new student information

system. In line with the principle of respect for persons, we as staff ensures that
students' privacy and autonomy are prioritized throughout the transition. Clear
communication is provided to students about the purpose of the system, how their
 data will be used, and the security measures in place. To respect individual
autonomy, as registrar staff, we give students control over certain aspects of their
information, such as privacy settings and the disclosure of specific details. When
obtaining consent for the new system, students are informed about the changes,
and mechanisms are in place for them to opt in or out based on their preferences.
In this case, cultural sensitivity is also considered. We cater to the specific needs
of different cultural groups and offer information in multiple languages to our
diverse student body. This guarantees that all students' cultural backgrounds and
values will be respected during the adoption of the new system.

3. Integrity: (25 points)

Discuss the importance of integrity as a fundamental principle in ethics. How does

integrity influence ethical decision-making and behavior? Provide examples of how
integrity is demonstrated in various professional and personal contexts

Integrity is a crucial aspect of one’s character and is defined as the quality of being honest
and having strong moral principles. It is a crucial aspect of one’s personal and professional life as
it affects how one is perceived by others and helps build trust and respect. It is the quality of being
honest and having strong moral principles, even when faced with challenges or temptations to act
otherwise.

Why integrity is so important as a fundamental principle of ethics? Let’s discuss below:

-Building Trust

Integrity is the foundation of trust. When people trust each other, they feel more at ease and
confident in their interactions, which is essential for developing healthy and meaningful
relationships. Someone with integrity is trustworthy, and others are more likely to entrust them
with important tasks and responsibilities.

- Professional Success

Integrity is also key to professional success. Employees with integrity are respected in the
workplace and are more likely to be promoted and given opportunities for advancement.
Employers are more likely to trust and rely on employees who are known for their honesty and
transparency.

- Moral Responsibility

Integrity also involves accepting moral responsibility for one's actions. It is about doing the
right thing, even when no one is looking. This is significant because it allows individuals to
maintain their dignity and self-esteem while also promoting a culture of fairness and justice in
society.

- Setting an Example

People with integrity are positive role models for others. They encourage others to act with
honesty and integrity while also contributing to the creation of a positive and supportive
environment. This can have an impact on others and contribute to positive social change.

- Personal Development

Integrity is integral to personal growth and development. Individuals with a strong sense
of integrity are more likely to make ethical decisions and act in accordance with their values. This
commitment to moral principles contributes to a sense of self-respect and fulfillment, fostering a
positive and purposeful life.

Integrity is a corner stone of ethical behavior that promotes trust, personal development,
social cohesion, professional success, and societal well-being. Maintaining integrity is critical for
creating a world in which individuals and institutions behave with honesty, responsibility, and
adherence to moral principles.

Also, Integrity is a key factor in shaping ethical decision-making and behavior. It requires
a steadfast commitment to one's values, ensuring that actions are consistent with deeply held
beliefs and principles. Trust is an important component of integrity because people with this quality
are perceived as reliable and truthful, which influences ethical decisions. Integrity empowers
people to resist the temptation to engage in unethical behavior by providing a strong internal guide
based on honesty and moral principles. Those with integrity accept responsibility for their actions,
which promotes accountability and contributes to ethical decision making. Furthermore, integrity
encourages people to think about the ethical consequences of their decisions, considering the
impact on others and the larger community. In leadership positions, integrity sets a good example
for others, fostering a positive organizational culture that influences ethical decision-making
across the board. Building a reputation based on integrity becomes motivating, as people are
hesitant to jeopardize the trust and respect they have earned. Finally, integrity promotes a long-
term perspective, emphasizing the value of consistent moral behavior over immediate gains. In
essence, integrity acts as a guiding force in ethical decision-making, encouraging people to
navigate ethical quandaries with wisdom and moral responsibility.

Examples how integrity is demonstrated in various professional and personal contexts:

Professional Context

1. Honesty in Business Dealings:

Demonstrating integrity in professional settings involves being honest and transparent in

business dealings. A business leader who accurately represents the products or services offered,
providing clear information to clients and stakeholders, exhibits integrity.
 2. Confidentiality in Client Relationships:

Upholding client confidentiality is another way integrity is demonstrated professionally.

Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and financial advisors who prioritize and protect
sensitive information build trust with their clients by demonstrating integrity.

Personal Contexts:

1. Keeping Promises:

Following through on commitments and promises, whether big or small, is a tangible way
to demonstrate integrity in personal life. This could include fulfilling family responsibilities,
honoring social commitments, or meeting personal goals.

2. Truthfulness in Relationships:

Personal relationships built on integrity are characterized by honesty and trust. Being
truthful with friends, family, and partners, even when it may be uncomfortable, demonstrates
a commitment to integrity in personal interactions.

In both professional and personal settings, integrity is a versatile and necessary quality
that underpins trust, ethical behavior, and positive relationships. Whether in the workplace or
in personal life, demonstrating integrity helps to create a more just, honest, and harmonious
society.

4. Conflict Resolution: (25 points)

Explain how ethical principles can be used to resolve conflicts. Discuss a real-life scenario
where conflicting ethical principles are at play and propose a resolution based on ethical
reasoning.

Ethical principles provide guiding frameworks that individuals and organizations can use
to navigate and resolve conflicts in a principled manner. Fairness is a key ethical principle that
emphasizes impartiality and the equitable treatment of all parties. Conflicting parties can better
understand each other's points of view and work toward mutually acceptable solutions by
assessing the situation objectively. Transparency is another important principle that emphasizes
openness and honesty in communication. When conflicting parties engage in open dialogue, trust
can be built, laying the groundwork for collaborative problem solving. Respect for autonomy is
another ethical principle that emphasizes the recognition and consideration of individuals' rights
and preferences. Conflicts can be resolved without jeopardizing individuals' fundamental values
and rights if each party's autonomy is respected. Empathy, a cornerstone of ethical decision-
making, is also important in conflict resolution because it promotes understanding and
compassion. Using these ethical principles together creates a solid foundation for resolving
conflicts in a fair, transparent, and respectful manner.

Example:

University Admissions Dilemma

Conflicting Ethical Principles:

Meritocracy vs. Diversity:

• The university aims to admit students based on academic merit to maintain high standards
of education.
• Simultaneously, there is a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive student body
to provide equal opportunities and perspectives.

Proposed Resolution:

• Implement a holistic admissions process that considers not only academic achievements
but also factors like socioeconomic background, extracurricular activities, and overcoming
adversity.

• Use a tiered approach, where a certain percentage of admissions is reserved for students
with outstanding academic merit, while another portion is allocated for candidates who
bring diversity and unique perspectives to the campus.

• Regularly assess and adjust these proportions based on evolving societal needs and
educational goals.

• Ensure transparency in the admissions process, communicating to applicants the

importance of both merit and diversity in building a well-rounded academic community.

Resolving conflicts using ethical principles requires a nuanced and principled approach.
Individuals and organizations can navigate complex situations with integrity and fairness by
identifying core values, applying ethical theories, taking stakeholder perspectives into account,
and seeking consensus. In real-life scenarios such as medical resource allocation or university
admissions, transparent decision-making, objective criteria, and ongoing reflection help to
achieve ethical resolutions that effectively balance competing principles.
Reference:

https://assessment-module.yale.edu/human-subjects-protection/justice

https://assessment-module.yale.edu/human-subjects-protection/respect-persons

https://www.washington.edu/research/hsd/guidance/ethical-principles/belmont/

https://gridcheck.com/2023/02/the-importance-of-integrity-why-honesty-and-strong-moral-
principles-matter/