Application of One Belief System in Many Situations
There are many complex situations that people face within the business environment. Such situations may require ethical decision-making skills to lead to the best outcomes. Many theorists have developed decision-making models to guide people through their ethical dilemmas. However, the challenge is understanding when to apply which ethical decision-making belief model. One belief system cannot fit all ethical situations because of many complex dilemmas. Depending on the variables of the issue, one is supposed to choose the most favorable belief system.
For instance, there is a great difference between utilitarian and universalism beliefs. The former focuses on the consequences of an action, while the latter focuses on the action that leads to the consequence and duty (Weiss, 2014). Utilitarian beliefs focus on the maximization of benefits. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to forego the benefits to make the right decision. For instance, if a business is experiencing losses because it has a workforce that is too large, it may choose to maintain the employees and disadvantage all stakeholders if the utilitarian method is used. However, focusing on the duty to all stakeholders may require the business to lay off some employees.
If one chooses one system to live by in all situations, it would fail them when the facts of the ethical dilemma are extremely different from what they are used to. Understanding how to analyze a situation from different perspectives is important before making the best decision. For instance, in a situation where one has to choose between right and right, a utilitarian method may not be effective because both decisions positively affect some of the parties. In this case, evaluating their duty may be necessary.
References
Weiss, J. W. (2014). Business ethics: A stakeholder and issues management approach. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
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Question
Application of One Belief System in Many Situations
Look at Figure 2.1 on page 81 of your text (see attachment), which compares the different belief systems as principles in making ethical decisions.
In your post, answer the following:
- Can one belief system fit all situations? Explain why or why not.
- If you had to choose one system to live by for all situations, where and when would it fail you?
- Be clear on which of the five systems you are referencing, and provide a specific example to validate your post.
Refer to the Discussion Participation Scoring Guide for posting expectations.