Ethical Dilemma Resolutions: A Case Study Analysis & ACS Codes

This case study explores ethical dilemmas within organizations, focusing on a scenario involving an employee, Maureen, who faces challenges in meeting deadlines due to data management issues. It analyzes the ethical implications of her actions in relation to the ACS code of ethics, relevant Austr...Read More

Running head: ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
Abstract
The report discusses the ethical dimensions connected with legal or professional issues in
various organizations. The ethical dilemma concerning various organizational situations have
been discussed in the report. A case study has been consulted in the report that deals with the
ethical implications of being unable to meet strict deadlines for submitting crucial reports in
government offices. The ACS codes of ethics, clauses and specific Australian legislations that
apply to the case have been critically analysed and evaluated. The various aspects of ethical
considerations in professional environments and the factors that affect them have been
essentially considered in the study.

2ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
List of ACS code of Ethics and Clauses applicable to the case.......................................................3
Applicable value codes................................................................................................................3
Applicable clauses of professionalism.........................................................................................3
Legislation of Australia for professional conduct...........................................................................4
Analysis of Consequences...............................................................................................................4
Analysis of Actions..........................................................................................................................4
Decision making..............................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................6

3ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
Introduction
The report is focused towards understanding the implications of ethical dilemmas that
can arise due to various reasons within organizational environments. Ethical issues across
organizations are guided by corresponding ethical codes and legislations the implications of the
same over the ethical dilemmas that can be faced are analyzed and discussed for providing
essential recommendations.
List of ACS code of Ethics and Clauses applicable to the case
Applicable value codes
 The Primacy of the Public Interest
 Competence
 Professionalism
Applicable clauses of professionalism
 take a calm, objective, informed and knowledgeable stance on your professional work,
complementing your enthusiasm and engagement in it;
 take appropriate action against members who engage in behaviours contrary to this
Code
 note that the corporate actions of the Society are subject to this Code, and you should
do whatever you can to ensure that the ACS and its officers meet this obligation
 refrain from any conduct or action in your professional role which may tarnish the image
of the profession or detract from the good name of the ACS;
 endeavour to extend public knowledge and understanding of ICT

4ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
Legislation of Australia for professional conduct
 The fair work act of 2009 directs the ethical standards that should be maintained by
employees in Australia to ensure optimal performance of the organization an individual
works for (James and Ombudsman 2015)
Analysis of Consequences
In order to understand the case involving Maureen in a better way it is important to
consider the consequential effects that it can cause. Maureen had been given a task of utmost
importance (Woodbine, Fan and See 2014). The report was essential towards the evaluation of a
significant aspect of the state where much important database in regards to the drug and
alcohol abuse figures for the previous five years were to be provided. The case brings forward a
serious level of carelessness that has been witnessed concerning the employee. The actions of
Maureen are bound to hurt the competency of the state organization. Her seemingly minor
carelessness can cause a great delay in the publication of the report (Munro 2014). The
consequences can be even greater if the report pointed towards information that could guide
subsequent state legislation on drug and alcohol abuse that can be passed. On a personal level
this incident will put her competency as an efficient worker to question. This matter will
negatively affect her promotional opportunities in the future.
Analysis of Actions
As per the ethical considerations that are prescribed by the ACS and the various
government legislations, individuals working for organizations should observe strict ethics in
regards to their work functions. Competence, prioritizing the interest of the public and
professionalism are important aspects for employees to consider (Woodbine, Fan and See 2014).

5ETHCAL DILEMMA RESOLUTIONS
The ethical codes of the Australian legislations are also in place to direct the employees in
regards to their ethical responsibilities. Maureen’s actions are not in line with the prime objective
of taking a clear stance in regards to the responsibilities assigned to an employee (Pullen and
Rhodes 2015). Moreover, her actions can potentially tarnish the image of the organization. This
is because her carelessness can delay the official publications of reports. Moreover, she has
failed to live up to her role that focuses on extending the knowledge of the public. Her failure to
bring her USB to office is high level of incompetence from her side. Storing data is a single
personal source was also not a good decision from her end.
Decision making
A systematic approach to data handling need to be formulated. It was responsible
behavior from Maureen that she decided to utilize her weekend towards finishing the task
assigned to her before the deadline. However, her commitment towards her work came into
question when she left the USB with all the crucial information at home. Thus, it should be
remembered that sensitive data should be taken home only on emergencies and official servers or
cloud sources should be used in order to make the data available at least to the designated teams.
Proper communications should be maintained between the employees and supervisors in order to
prevent these incidences of severe carelessness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that ethical considerations depend much on the realizations
of one’s essential responsibilities. When working for an organization, it is required to maintain
effective levels of competencies. Without optimally responsible behaviors, ethical dilemmas that
are harmful for organizations and individuals will keep on arising.

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References
James, N. and Ombudsman, F.W., 2015. Commonwealth of Australia.
Munro, I., 2014. Organizational ethics and Foucault’s ‘art of living’: Lessons from social
movement organizations. Organization Studies, 35(8), pp.1127-1148.
Pullen, A. and Rhodes, C., 2015. Ethics, embodiment and organizations. Organization, 22(2),
pp.159-165.
Woodbine, G., Fan, Y.H. and See, H., 2014. The Moral Business Tone of Organizations and Its
Impact on The Ethical Decision Making of Employees. Academy of Taiwan Business
Management Review, 10(3), pp.7-19.