The Science Learning Hub article “Frameworks for ethical analysis,” introduces four key elements to judge difficult situations and these are rights and responsibilities, consequentialism, autonomy, and virtue ethics. The author states, “Ethics does not often come up with right and wrong answers,” but that “some ethical conclusions may be more valid than others.” This relates to when somebody builds a decision/argument that is has a clear framework and reasonable answers. When I reflect personally, I reflect whether to keep things private when someone tells me a secret or tell someone who could help out in that situation even after the person says no. On one side, I feel as though it is right to protect my friend and honor what he said to me. From the consequentialist view, I feel that I should help him out when I believe I can lead him in the right direction to solve his problem. These perspectives articulate what the article describes that not one answer can be the perfect answer, but each provides important insight. The framework also makes me think about public issues like the government duties during the pandemic. They had to weigh the effects of personal freedoms and public safety in order to protect the population of people who can be severely affected by Covid-19. Each perspective had reasonable insight but it did lead to very complex debates between the citizens Using the Science Learning Hub’s model is helpful because it doesn’t act like there is one correct answer to a problem. It encourages decision making from various perspectives. By doing this, we can come to a more thoughtful and fair decision that can benefit both sides.

Source: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2146-frameworks-for-ethical-analysis

The Markkula Center’s “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making” explains that “recognizing an ethical issue is the first step in ethical decision making. It requires being able to see that our actions have consequences for others.” I think this is an important reminder because it shows us that thinking carefully rather than making quick decisions can influence the outcome of our choices. On a personal level, I reflect on the group projects I’ve been part of. If I don’t contribute, all of my work then stacks up on my group mates. That one decision I chose to make affected the whole group, which is exactly what the framework is explaining. Ethics is bigger than just a major decision, it is a part of every decision we make, small or large, that can influence people around us. I also connect this to fairness in the real-world situations. Choices made by governments and corporations have influences that can affect the entire world and even the future of it. The Markkula framework highlights the importance of recognizing responsibility instead of acting what is in our best interest. Ethical-decision making is more than a personal practice, it is a responsibility for everyone. I think the one idea in the reading that stood out to me in the reading is that there isn’t always a perfect answer. What should happen when thinking of an answer is gathering all the facts, considering consequences, and trying to come up with the most fair outcome. Ethics emphasizes careful reasoning.
Sources: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/

After reading Carucci’s article on “Why ethical individuals sometimes make unethical Decisions,” it made me reflect on serious decision about poor ethical decisions that can severely damage an organization’s image. This article represents how challenging it is to grow a workplace based on ethical practices and mutual respect, and how quickly a harmful culture can harm a company.

Toxic workplace leadership, along with faults in protocol and inattention to detail, didn’t just cause a lost of life, but also lead to serious financial and legal trouble. While it’s difficult to located the origin of catastrophe solely on the people who lead the business, it did lead to serious concerns in their business model which had loss of life.

Carucci’s mentions that unethical actions stems from the absence of a positive role model. This aligns closely with what we are currently learning. Based off of these readings, it is critical to lead by example by serving others with integrity and encouraging a supportive community. I’m excited to grow my understanding of leadership to grow as a leader within the community and to continue it through my professional and personal goals.