Ethical Principles for Decision Making

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People and the relationships between them with their versatility and complexity are impressive. Sometimes finding the right and ethical reasoning for the taken actions is not so easy. A person should respect his or her own interests and act in accordance with generally accepted ethical norms. Ethics is a large and essential part of human culture, and morality developed over many centuries of life by all nations in accordance with their ideas about kindness, justice, and humanity.

The ethical side of decision-making pushed many philosophers to reflections. Several concepts were developed to summarize their conclusions and are used further in this paper. According to the Consequentialist Framework or Utilitarian Ethics for decision-making, the main character of the analyzed case – Joe – should choose a solution that will have the most favorable consequences for his controversial situation (“A Framework for,” 2013; “Ethical Theories,” 2020). There are a few people that can be affected by his decision. Firstly, it is Joe himself, then his friend Bill and the management team.

The decision to turn down the invitation will have beneficial effects for Joe, as he will have the prospect of improving his career path thanks to the time available to prepare for negotiations. Moreover, the contract that his team can sign will positively affect the financial success of the company, which is also favorable for the management team. At the same time, Joe’s friend and colleague Bill will have more time to spend with his family and relax in a private atmosphere. Spending time together does not guarantee an improvement in Joe’s relations with Bill, and it might be better to leave them more neutral for the time of signing the contract.

According to the Duty Framework or the Deontological Ethics, decisions must be made corresponding to our responsibilities (“A Framework for,” 2013; “Ethical Theories,” 2020). In this situation, Joe’s primary duty is the successful implementation of his job and careful preparation for the negotiations. It is his obligation before the company, management team, and himself. Besides, within this framework, it is crucial to take into account the equality of people. Accepting Bill’s invitation in this situation, Joe will distinguish him from the rest of his colleagues.

The analyzed theories may also give reasons to accept the invitation. The Consequentialist Framework can help to identify the main one: improving the relationship between Joe and Bill. However, as mentioned above, a joint holiday will not necessarily improve the relationship. One more reason can be considered from an egoistic approach. It would be pleasant for Joe to have a rest and spend weekends on the friend’s yacht. The Virtue Framework or Virtue Ethics forces people to act in accordance with positive human features (“A Framework for,” 2013; “Ethical Theories,” 2020). Friendship is one of the essential human values and shows a person’s empathy and sensitivity. It would be polite and friendly to accept Bill’s invitation for weekends. In this way, Joe will show the importance of his friendship with Bill.

The situation proposed in the case may seem like a conflict of interest. Conflict of interest at work is a situation that arises if the interests of an employee and employers can, even potentially, contradict each other (Heathfield, 2019). The relationship between Joe and Bill should not be considered as a conflict of interest, as they are not related and may have close partnerships. If colleagues have a common goal, then personal relationships arise, many of which develop into friendships.

The main thing for them is to keep personal and work relationships separate. It is crucial not to forget that there are certain ethics and subordination in the relations between employees. Established boundaries of friendship at work will help to appreciate it when it develops, and not to be too disappointed if it turns out to be not so strong. As long as Joe and Bill’s friendly relations do not affect the work and success of companies, a conflict of interest should not arise and develop.