Reflecting on the “Ethical Role of the Manager” by Sandra Maddock and the framework “Ethic of Care”, I think about how decisions within my nonprofit organization that ricochet to other relationships and entities. The Ethic of Care emphasized moral obligations based on the closeness of relationships. Using it, you can better understand the impact of decisions (Waddok 2012).

One specific example from my time with All We Are is the decision between funding an energy upgrade for an established community or installing solar lighting for a new one is an ethical dilemma that requires balancing our responsibilities to both groups. If we prioritize the energy upgrade for the community we’ve already worked with, we deepen our commitment to those with whom we’ve built trust. The Ethic of Care suggests that our responsibilities to long-standing relationships are stronger, meaning we have a moral obligation to ensure the well-being of the community that has already relied on our support (Waddok 2012). This investment not only sustains our impact but also nurtures the trust and partnership we’ve cultivated over time.

On the other hand, funding a solar installation for a new community addresses immediate needs and expands our reach. The Ethic of Care also supports extending care to those who may be in urgent need, even if we don’t yet have a deep relationship with them (Waddok 2012). The decision to enter a new community can foster new connections and increase our organization’s impact, but it risks spreading our resources thin and potentially neglecting those who already depend on us.

Ultimately, the Ethic of Care calls for a balance between nurturing established relationships and addressing new needs (Waddok 2012). A phased or hybrid approach—funding both the energy upgrade and a small-scale solar project—may allow us to care for both communities without sacrificing the depth of our existing relationships or the urgency of expanding our reach.

References

Waddock, Sandra. “Ethical Role of the Manager.” Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society. Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2007. 786-91. SAGE Reference Online. Web. 30 Jan. 2012.