Ethical Dilemma - Assignment Example

Ethical Dilemma Ethical dilemma involves complex situation that usually entails mental conflicts among moral imperatives; obeying one moral imperative result to transgression of the other. The subjects of ethics, compromise, corruption or integrity are considered critical aspects of the law enforcement training when significant changes takes place. This is usually referred to as ethical paradox because moral philosophy entails paradox occupying significant role during ethics debate (McQueeny, 2006).

Ethical Dilemma Faced by the CharacterMajority of people usually understand the difference between right and wrong; however, they find themselves in stressful circumstances because they have participated in knowingly making unethical opinions or decisions. These individuals normally suggest that it is easy to make decisions without considering ethical issues, and then analyzing the action afterwards (Paele & Blanchard, 1988). The existence of the “grey region” between wrong and right does not act as an excuse for ignoring ethics.

The “grayness” aspect can be removed from the ethical dilemmas through taking time to analyze and understand a decision. The ethics check has been formulated to analyze three questions that arise out of a given ethical situation.Ethical decisions should be similar if the answer to any one of the questions is contrary or negative. The first question is: is the issue legal? Legal decisions adhere to government and organization regulations and laws. The second question is: is the decision balanced?

Ethical decisions should always result in win-win situations. This ensures fairness to all parties concerned. The third question is: what feelings are derived by the decision maker? The feeling of ethical decision is positive, rewarding and fulfilling. This makes the concerned parties proud of the outcome (Paele & Blanchard, 1988). Ethical Mentors Consulted During Ethical DilemmasEthical mentoring concept illustrates that illegal or unethical actions in society or organizations rarely occurs because people intend to do wrong.

Instead it begins with insignificant breaches which gradually increase in scope and scale. This makes the poor action be considered the norm or acceptable. Ethical mentors assist people to effectively handle situations involving potential conflict in values and ethical lapses. The ethical mentors also assist people increase their ethical awareness, to enable them avoid ethical dilemmas. They also provide resources to ethical leaders to create an ethically conscious organizational culture (Paele & Blanchard, 1988).

Effective ethical mentors include the professional law enforcement officers and attorneys. This is because they provide guidelines on the most appropriate actions that adhere to the laws and regulations of the government, society and organizations. The top leadership of organizations like the Chief Executive officer forms part of ethical mentors. This is because they set guidelines and directions which ensure effective and acceptable operations of the organization. They also prevent and discourage unacceptable and illegal actions like money laundering and corruption.

Respected religious leaders also serve as ethical mentors. This is because they provide teachings and advice on the acceptable and legal behaviors in the society (McQueeny, 2006). Characteristics of Ethical LeadersEthical leadership entails leading through knowing and performing what is right. Ethical leadership is classified into two areas: the leaders should always decide and act ethically, and the leader must practice ethical interactions and also attitudes. Ethical leaders ensure that actions and decisions which are ethical are applied in the whole organization (Paele & Blanchard, 1988).

Ethical leaders possess values awareness. They should continuously communicate the values throughout the organization. Ethical leaders have high levels of accountability. This ensures proper evaluation of organizational practices and results. Ethical leaders lead through example. This is through making acceptable decisions or taking appropriate actions, and encouraging followers to do the same. Ethical leaders take initiative. This is through implementing agreed upon acceptable plans, and also encouraging followers to do their part in the society or organization.

Ethical dilemmas are applied in efforts to refute the ethical system and also the moral code. Ethical dilemmas also illustrate the global views and factors that generate for it. ReferencesMcQueeny, E. (2006). “Making Ethics Come Alive.” Business Communication Quarterly. Peale, N. and Blanchard, K. (1988). The Power of Ethical Management. NY: William Morrow.