Defining Moments: Right vs Right - Key Concepts from the Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover the core concepts from the lecture notes on defining moments, dirty hands, right-versus-right conflicts, key examples, and the pragmatic framework proposed by Badaracco.

Right-versus-right conflicts

Conflicts where two or more courses of action are each right, but due to conflicting obligations or values, one cannot pursue all of them at once.

Dirty hands (origin of the term)

A label for leadership dilemmas where power over others forces moral compromises; the idea that leaders cannot govern innocently.

Rebecca Dennet example

A branch manager faces choosing between confidentiality (promised to her boss) and honesty toward a coworker; illustrating the right-versus-right tension between loyalty and transparency.

Crucibles of character

Leadership positions that reveal, test, and shape a manager’s character under pressure; power can strengthen or destroy moral integrity.

Barnard's view on leadership

The struggle to maintain cooperation can morally destroy some leaders; leadership involves a real risk of moral erosion, not just positive outcomes.

Sartre's dirty hands concept

The idea that those in power must confront the unavoidability of moral compromise; governing innocently is not feasible.

Origins of dilemmas (in power)

Dilemmas arise from the complex responsibilities of power, which often conflict with personal values and with other duties to stakeholders.

Beyond Inspirational Ethics

A pragmatic approach that moves past inspirational speeches and offers a framework of phrases and questions to navigate right-versus-right problems.

Three characteristics of defining moments

They reveal a person’s values, test their commitments, and shape their future character and/or the organization.

Urgent questions for managers

How to think about defining moments and how to resolve them in ways one can live with.

Framework for solving defining moments

A set of phrases and questions rooted in moral philosophy that prompts reflection rather than prescribing simple solutions.

Finality and permanence of decisions

Right-versus-right choices are often final; once made, they become part of one's life and organizational record and cannot be easily undone.

Purpose of Badaracco's book

To examine right-versus-right conflicts with a practical, non- Inspirational approach and to provide a framework for thinking through difficult managerial decisions.