Section 1: Introducing ethical analysis
What are ethics?
You're probably studying this course because you have some ethical issues to deal with at work, or because you think you might face such issues at some time in the future.
But what do we mean by 'ethics'?
 
|
Activity
Can you think of an ethical issue that you're likely to face at work? Consider what makes it important or interesting. What questions does it raise? What do you personally value in relation to these questions?
There is no single answer. Can you think of some alternatives? Write them down as clearly and briefly as you can.
Post your answers to My forum. While you are there you should read and comment on the ethical issues that have concerned other people taking this course.
Now read our feedback.
|
|
Feedback
Don't worry if you found it difficult to think of an ethical issue straight away - we'll give you an example in a moment. But it's worth trying to find an example of your own first, even if you don't manage to. Struggling a bit is often an important part of learning!
To get you started in your thinking, you might like to consider that ethical issues at work often relate to trust, integrity and conflict of interest:
- Trust. Maybe you or someone you know has access to confidential information that others would be interested in? Deciding not to betray confidence is an example of an ethical decision.
- Integrity. Sometimes at work we are asked to do things that conflict with our beliefs. Asking 'Can I live with myself if I do that?' might be an ethical question.
- Conflict of interest. If a client asked you to do something that appeared to be against the interests of another client or your own firm and you were not prepared to do so, your response would be an ethical one.
|
