Ethical Dilemmas and Principles

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining ethical dilemmas, their common causes, and the core ethical principles used to guide decision-making based on the lecture notes.

Dilemma

A difficult situation in which you are required to make a decision.

Ethical dilemma

A situation, also referred to as an ethical situation, that involves deciding whether something is right or wrong and where picking the wrong choice could result in harm to someone or something.

Ethical principles

A set of beliefs that guide your sense of right and wrong and remain consistent regardless of the situation, whether at school, home, or work.

Accountability

An ethical principle involving being responsible and answerable for your actions and promises.

Fairness

An ethical principle focused on creating an equitable environment and providing just treatment to all.

Transparency

The act of communicating openly and being honest in your interactions with others.

Pressure from others

A common cause of ethical dilemmas where leaders, peers, or bullies encourage or coerce an individual to behave unethically.

Conflicting values

A cause of ethical dilemmas occurring when an individual's ethical code does not align with the beliefs of others or different cultural standards.

Greed

A motivation for unethical behavior where people want things they haven’t earned and may lie, steal, or use fraud to obtain them.

Bad role models

Leaders or authority figures who exhibit unethical behavior, such as lying or stealing, causing others to model their own behavior after them.

Integrity

The quality of acting ethically and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Viability

An ethical principle that involves considering the long-term repercussions of actions and how behavior will affect you or an organization in the future.

Rule of Law

An ethical principle that involves following established legal standards and staying on the right side of the law.

Trust

An ethical principle involving being a person who keeps their word, does what they say they will do, and avoids gossiping.

Respect

An ethical principle that involves showing consideration for other people and their property.