Ethical Perspectives of Utilitarianism and Altruism - Assignment Example

Final Ethics Final Ethics Question 4. Ethical perspectives Utilitarianism vs Altruism Definitions As seen in the work compiled by Braybrooke (2004), altruism refers to an ethical doctrine that functions on the basis that an individual’s actions are driven by a moral value. This means that the individuals lead their life in consideration of the needs of the others. Among the proponents of altruism include Auguste Comte. The actions of an individual depend on the impacts of other individuals despite of the consequences the actions may have on the individuals in question. This is to mean that altruism dictates what is morally right and if the consequences of the actions are favorable or they have negative consequences on the receiver (Albee, 2014; Braybrooke, 2004). This is to mean that altruistic individuals live for the sake of the good of others. As seen in the research conducted by Albee (2014), the author also explains that individuals have the obligation to act not on their own needs but on the needs of others. On the other hand, utilitarianism works on the grounds that a good act is one that increases the satisfaction of individuals as well as the society at large (Albee, 2014). However, the individuals in question are expected to lead a happy life. A maximization of utility is the basis on utilitarianism such as individuals seeking to lead a successful life, having stability in life, minimize chances of them suffering (Albee, 2014; Braybrooke, 2004). This means that the ends substantiate the means for the case of utilitarianism. The proponents of utilitarianism include Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham. Similarities and differences One of the major differences between altruism and utilitarianism is that altruism does not advocate for any form of individualism while utilitarianism advocates for general good, but the individual can to satisfy their needs. Utilitarianism produces happiness while altruism focuses on reducing any chance that unhappiness may occur in individuals (Albee, 2014; Braybrooke, 2004). Altruism and utilitarianism are similar in that both advocate for happiness as the end result of all actions of humans. Both ethical perspectives have some element of morality in them. The two also have some form of pain and satisfaction after an action (Albee, 2014; Braybrooke, 2004). Case example of Altruism and utilitarianism The case of altruism can be well explained in the case of volunteering in a job as opposed to getting a job that would be well paying. When an individual forego a well-paying job to go for a volunteer job such as planting trees or caring for the elderly or sick patients, this may be termed as altruism since the individual has opted to sacrifice their own good. On the part of utilitarianism, a good example would be one where the boss decides to order drinks that he loves and the ones that are cheaper for the end of the year party. This decision will give him pleasure and satisfaction in the end, since he will have succeeded in avoiding “unnecessary” costs, saving money as well as getting the flavor that he loves. Question 3: Joe as an example of an ethical leader How I determined that Joe is an ethical leader Being ethical basically means having a certain level of honesty in one’s actions, in such a way that the individual’s actions correspond with their beliefs (Peale & Blanchard, 1988). Joe, the owner of a local eatery is one of the most ethical leaders I know. Joe is a firm believer in the promotion of good health through proper diet and exercise. Located in Ohio, near the Schuster center, “Indulgence Naturale” is an eatery owned by Joe that exemplifies what ethical leadership is all about. In particular, Joe ensures that foods that are considered as being unhealthy to some extent are not sold to kids at his eatery, unless the kids are accompanied by an adult. In particular, foods served to children at Joe’s eatery are usually very low in salt and sugar. Additionally, Joe is a firm believer that Genetically Modified Organisms are responsible for the increase in health complications. As such, Joe’s eatery does not serve any GM food nor do they use GM cooking oil. How they demonstrate their ethical leadership when interacting with others Ethical leadership involves the ability of a leader to lead others in doing what is considered to be right. In line with this argument, Joe is a leader who exhibits virtuousness especially in relating with his employees and the community at large. One of the employees at Joe’s asserted that Joe is the best employer he has ever had. According to the employee, Joe provided them with minimum working hours, unlike most employers in the hotel industry who use zero-hours contracts. With standard minimum working hours, the possibility for exploitation of the employees is minimal because if an employee works for extra hours, they are supposed to be compensated. With the zero-hour contracts, however, employees are forced to work for long hours without extra compensation. In dealing with customers, Joe is a very understanding person who clearly cares more about the health of the customer more than the profits from the business. Joe openly discourages customers from buying unhealthy food and often gives the customer other choices that are deemed healthier. Joe as a transformational leader Transformational leadership is all about setting good examples for others to follow and encouraging others to become better people (Craig, 2012). All the employees at Joe’s eatery are ardent health promoters as he is, such that even they discourage customers from engaging in bad dietary habits. Even though the meat sold that Joe’s is all-range, customers ordering meat must be given a side dish of vegetables to balance the diet. As such, Joe has not only transformed the lives of his workers by teaching them honesty and moral practice, but has also helped many in the community to have a healthier lifestyle. How Joe Casts light instead of shadow On occasion when one walks into Joe’s eatery and happens to find Joe within, he is usually very active in dealing with customers and responding to the workers such that a new customer would not know that Joe is the owner. Joe often delegates most of the duties to the employees, leaving him with very minimal power while empowering the workers. According to Craig (2012), a leader who has too much power is considered hostile by the employees, while those with less power are more favored. It is no wonder then, that Joe is adored by his employees since he gives them the power to act without always seeking his approval. What I learnt about myself after interacting with Joe I have gone to Joe’s eatery countless times just to watch him interact with employees and customers. I have learnt that ethical leadership is not all about engaging in multi-dollar community-based projects which attract attention to a company. Rather, ethical leadership, as I have learnt from Joe, involves honesty and adherence to ones beliefs while also empowering others to be the best they can be. An ethical leader, therefore, is one who builds trustworthy relationships with their employees and the community at large. References Albee, E. (2014). A History of English Utilitarianism. NY: Routledge. Braybrooke, D. (2004). Utilitarianism: Restorations; Repairs; Renovations: Variations on Benthams Master-idea, that Disputes about Social Policy Should be Settled by Statistical Evidence about the Comparative Consequences for Those Affected. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Craig, E. (2012). Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow. Washington, DC: Sage Publications. Peale, N., & Blanchard, K. (1988). The Power of Ethical Management. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc. Read More