Ethical%20Problem%20Solving%20Techniques%20II

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Ethical ProblemSolving Techniques II

• Luis Alvarez
• Jose Ruiz
• LaKausha Simpson
• Michelle Woomer

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Agenda

• Conflict Problems
• Bribery vs. Gifts
• Analyzing the Situation
• Avoiding Bribes
• The Agnew Case

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Conflict Problems

• 3 Considerations for Resolution
• Health and safety above all
• Creative middle way
• Bite the bullet (go with your gut)

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The Challenger Decision
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Conflict ProblemsStep 1 Rethinking and
Critiquing

• What we know (at that time)
• 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 Lets move on to step 2.

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Conflict ProblemsStep 2 Can We Compromise?

• What we know (at that time)
• 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 Lets move on to step 3

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Conflict Problems Step 3 Bite the Bullet

• What we know (at the time)
• 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

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Bribery vs. Gifts

• 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

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Bribery vs. Gifts

• Bribery the practice of offering something,
  usually money, in order to gain an illicit
  advantage
• Gift something that is bestowed voluntarily and
  without compensation

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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

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Analyzing the Situation

• 3 Issues to Analyze
• Factual Issue
• Who offered the gift?
• What is its purpose and value?
• When was it offered?
• Conceptual Issue
• Determine if the gift has enough value to
  influence decision
• Moral Issue
• Once the facts and concepts are analyzed, the
  moral issues are clear

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Avoiding Bribes

• How can you determine if something is a bribe or
  gift?
• Use line drawing technique
• Use flow chart to examine consequences of actions
  
• Adhere to company policy
• Seek approval from management

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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 couldnt easily defend your
  action without resorting to self-serving
  rationalizations, then you probably shouldnt do
  it.

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The Agnew Case

• Background
• A little goes a long way
• Big payoffs
• Tax evasions
• First vice presidency resignation

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The Agnew Case

• Reasons to avoid this situation
• Long term costs
• Ruined reputations
• Never know who you can trust
• Immorality

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The Agnew Case

• The Right Path
• Allow talent and skills to be your advantage
• Abide by the law
• Use common sense

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QUESTIONS??