u05a1 Parameters of Ethical Decision Making Kathleen J Higgins

Ethical Theories and Principle are decision making tools that managers may use especially during ethical dilemma. There are five common ethical decision making approaches that can assist manager based upon what is good in each situation.
Utilitarianism or consequentialism, as just what its term “consequentialism” means. This paradigm is developed [originally] by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John S. Mill (1806-1873). Judges one’s action based on the maximums of the good in the world. In this approach, the manager evaluates how the decision will affect [directly] the employee(s) and others. The managers identify the potential positive and potential negative consequences. If it will results “to the greatest good and for the greatest number,” the manager using the utilitarian approach is feasibly will make dubious decision. Utilitarian ideology is that it is ethical if the result will only give the “greatest advantages and benefits, and to the greatest number of people.” The theory seems to point out a situation in which it seems to provide the wrong answer to an ethical dilemma.
I think of Dr. Kevorkian a good example using this approach. As this approach contemplates both bad and good, utilitarian’s rationale in this situation was to stop the pain for the suffering patient and maybe stop the financial hardships for the family too. This approach will solve the pain and resolve financial issues. This is fine and dandy, but it may backfire to our society. The family and physicians may start pressuring terminally ill- patients just to “pull the plug” [hypothetically] to have more hospital bed-space and end the financial obligations. [I am sure Hitler thought this way too.]
Universalism