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Ethical Perspective

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Ethical Perspectives

University of Phoenix
MGT/344 Organizational Behavior and Ethical Responsibility
Stephen D. Kempisty
December 4, 2008

Ethics maybe considered as a large field of study, however, it is generally designed to demonstrate to people “what is right or wrong in human behavior and conduct” (Thiroux, 2003). Ethics is also applicable to the ability to make choices, so the absence of this ability or opportunity to make a choice could be considered to be unethical behavior. Even though one is sometimes unaware of it, when choices are made there are standards competing, or ethical perspectives, that governs one’s behavior. My ethical perspective can be basically summed up into the saying ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you’. An individual’s duty lies within doing what is morally right. My perspective recognizes that ethical principles must be at all times appropriate, regardless of the circumstances, and at all times must be committed to enhancing individual freedom. (ethics-twi.org). Ethical perspectives can be put into four categories. Each category will identify a different standard for making choices, and also makes reference to some interest that is valued or referred. Utilitarianism is often times referred to as situational ethics. The ‘right’ thing to do does not necessarily depend in ethical standards, but rather on the assessment of the situation, the alternative courses of actions available, and the consequences of the choices available. The utilitarian ethic requires that a decision maker assess the choices of all involved in the outcome, the commit to an action that will be satisfactory to the majority involved. “Utilitarianism can thus be characterized as a quantitative and reductionist approach to ethics. It can be contrasted with

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