Decision making situation
I faced a situation recently during our class project. We were assigned to the big project. This project was team based and after completing this project, we had to give the presentation on it; in result, each team member based on overall presentation gained equal marks. The team was based on six members, from whom two members of the group were not paying any attention towards assignment, saying that they do not have time to do the work, but they will participate in the presentation. Due to this situation, I and other group mates in my team decided to take them off from our group.
Utilitarian view of ethical decision-making
In deciding to take the two members off from our group, the consequence of this action was realized. For example, it was visible that without making any efforts they would be able to gain the same marks as other group members who made immense effort in completing the assignment. According to the situation, it was an ethical decision because getting same marks without making any efforts would be unfair to other members of the team.
Kant’s categorical imperative approach of ethical decision-making
According to Kant’s theory, people should take right decisions no matter what the consequences are. The verbal skills of the group members that were eliminated from the group were very good (Johnson, 2012). They know to handle the question answer section effectively as it has been observed in other class presentations. Their ability to effective communication could help us considerably in presentation, but the decision was taken without considering this consequence and the right or ethical decision was made.
Rawls’s justice as fairness approach of ethical decision-making
Rawls’s justice as fairness approach says that all people should be provided with equal opportunities for participation no matter what the consequences are. The theory says that advantage of one group may cause to disadvantage other (Johnson, 2012). However, in the particular situation, the opportunity to participate in the assignment was provided to eliminated members, but they did nit avail that opportunity. However, it has been realized that the guideline of Rawls lack in moral force, as it says that consequences should not be considered and despite the greater contribution of some, benefits should be contributed equally.
Communitarianism approach of ethical decision-making:
This theory encourages seeking the common benefits. The theory says that the common benefits should be observed rather than seeking the benefit of some individuals, as it is an ethical approach. In the case of teamwork decision, this theory is not applicable because the common interest was not observed and rather giving the priority to the benefit of all members, benefit of some was observed. Therefore, according to this theory the decision of eliminating the two members was unethical. However, if it is considered that four members of the group were not satisfied by having the eliminated members, then the common benefit of the majority was considered.
Altruism approach of ethical decision-making
Altruism approach of ethical decision-making shares the view of communitarianism approach. Altruism theory says that love for others is a final ethical standard, and the actions of people should be designed in such manners that can benefit others, without thinking personal benefits or cost. From the view of Altruism theory, the decision to eliminate the two group members was not an ethical approach.
Reference
Johnson, C. E. (2012). Organizational Ethics: A Practical Approach. USA: SAGE Publications Ltd.
