Picking Up the Slack - Ethical Decision-Making Essay

This essay discusses the ethical dilemma faced by Greg in giving an honest evaluation of Natalie's work ethic or giving her a concocted evaluation. The essay analyzes the case study from different ethical approaches and suggests actions accordingly.

Running Head: PICKING UP THE SLACK- ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING ESSAY.
PICKING UP THE SLACK- ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING ESSAY.
Name of the student:
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1PICKING UP THE SLACK- ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING ESSAY.
An ethical dilemma takes place in a situation in which a decision has to be made between
two equally controversial and undesirable alternative outcomes. The essay focuses on the case
study and the resulting ethical dilemma faced by Greg to either give an honest evaluation of
Natalie based on her indifferent attitude and poor work ethic or to give her a concocted
evaluation so as not to impact her career (Wilson).
There are five approaches to mitigating ethical dilemmas (Velasquez et al.). The
approaches are discussed in accordance to this case study. The utilitarian approach produces the
greatest good and the least harm, according to this method Greg should take into account all the
positives of Natalie, her overall academic performance, the impact of the rating on her CGPA,
the overall personal attitude and weigh them against the negatives of her attitude and work ethic
and team goals. Then come to a balanced conclusion based on the above pros and cons.
The fairness of justice approach however states that all human beings are to be treated
equally. Hence regardless of any personal connection Greg should treat Natalie the same as any
other team member.
The rights approach dictates that the best ethical action is the one that protects and
respects the moral rights of the individual (NCA Credo for Ethical Communication). hence Greg
should give a fair chance to Natalie as the outcome of a negative rating can have a deleterious
effect on Natalie’s career, since the overall rating of the group is good (Shapiro, Joan and
Jacqueline).
The ethical dilemma faced by Greg can also be approached from the Virtue approach to
ethical dilemma that states that ethical actions must be in accordance to certain virtues namely
honesty, generosity, fairness, self-control and prudence. Thus considering honesty, virtue,

2PICKING UP THE SLACK- ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING ESSAY.
fairness and self control Greg must not let any personal emotion to come in between the choice
that he is about to make. To be fair to all other team members and the teacher and the assignment
itself Greg must negatively rate Natalie in order to uphold the ethics of his decision.
If I was involved in such a situation I would analyse the situation carefully and
give a proper decision based on the Virtue based approach of facing the ethical dilemma. I would
give Natalie a negative rating since I would be fair and possess self control, to put aside any
personal relation and analyse the situation through virtue to my team members who worked hard
while Natalie never paid attention in meetings, was late often and it was clear that she did not
take the project seriously. Considering my teammates and the hard work they and I put together
to make the project a success, it would be only fair that hard work be rewarded. To be fair to
every party involved I would negatively mark her, even if it meant that it would negatively affect
her grades.
This ethical standard of Virtue is accepted by me for reaching a decision process for this
ethical dilemma. This process is similar to the one that I would opt for such a ethical dilemma.
This standard is what I personally would follow as I believe it adheres to my core beliefs of
fairness to all parties involved and to be fair to the assessment processes. Such a position would
make me take a decision to negatively mark Natalie, as I would uphold the virtue of being fair to
my teammates and the teacher. I would never take any decision based on personal relations with
the said individual.
The study conclusively proves that ethical dilemmas are the standards of behaviour that
compel human beings to act in accordance to any situation or circumstance. These can be based
on different approaches namely virtue; the rights based approach, fairness of justice and the
utilitarian approach. The ethical dilemma of Greg was analysed from these viewpoints and as

3PICKING UP THE SLACK- ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING ESSAY.
such various actions were suggested. Concluding the essay, my personal viewpoint regarding the
ethical dilemma was also analysed and my decisions were stated and justified accordingly.

4PICKING UP THE SLACK- ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING ESSAY.
References:
Shapiro, Joan Poliner, and Jacqueline A. Stefkovich. Ethical leadership and decision making in
education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. Routledge, 2016.
Velasquez, M. et al. “A Framework for Thinking Ethically.” Markkula Center for
Applied Ethics. Santa Clara University. May 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2014.
Wilson, C. “Picking Up the Slack (Big Q).” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Santa Clara
University. 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 15 Aug. 2014.
"NCA Credo for Ethical Communication." National Communication Association. National
Communication Association, Nov. 1999. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.