Evaluating Ethical Dilemmas in Business: A Five-Question Approach

This report delves into the analysis of several ethical dilemmas encountered in business settings, employing a five-question framework to guide ethical decision-making. The dilemmas cover situations such as accidentally sending an irate email to a customer, writing a progress report for a supervisor, manipulating sales figures to meet quarterly goals, and inflating a resume. Each dilemma is assessed by considering its legality, the perspective of being on the opposite side, exploring alternative solutions, seeking advice from a trusted advisor, and evaluating approval from family, friends, or coworkers. The report emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in professional environments, advocating for transparency and responsible actions even when facing challenging circumstances and potential personal repercussions. The analysis underscores that upholding ethical standards ultimately contributes to long-term reputation and trust, outweighing any short-term gains from unethical behavior. Desklib offers more resources including past papers and solved assignments.

Name of the student:
Assignment name:
Course name and section:
Instruction name:
Date:
ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Introduction:
Five questions to guide ethical decisions help understanding the nature of ethical issues.
The five questions to guide ethical decision are as follows:
• Is it legal?
• Would you do it being on the opposite side?
• Any improved alternative?
• Would a trusted advisor agree?
• Would friends, family, employer or coworkers approve?
Ethical dilemma 1: Customer email
I accidentally send an email to a customer, and he is irate by me for a mistake I have
made. Customers are the priority that organisations give. Therefore, the result of the situation can
lead to extreme consequences. In this situation, I would tell the truth to the customer and own up
my mistake. Although it may result in severe consequences, it is always better to own up for own

mistake. Admitting mistakes often shows that our confidence as well humble nature traits. Also,
it is a shows responsibility towards our work.
Ethical dilemma 2: Progress Report
I will require writing a progress report to my boss who evaluates my performance. I can
choose to write a report ignoring the problem in the project in order to look clean and expert.
However, I will not do such. Although it is important to have a good performance review,
however, it cannot be achieved through the unethical way. To avoid more significant mistakes it
is important not to hide any negative aspects of the project. To present a wrong report is illegal
as it may lead to serious issues in the project. If I was on the opposite side, I would have wanted
an honest report as well in order to know the strengths and weaknesses of the employee. A better
alternative would be to focus on the problems of the project. This method would be trusted by a
trusted advisor as well as approved by friends, family or any coworkers.
Ethical dilemma 3: Sales Report
In this particular situation, I am strongly urged by my team leader to manipulate sales
figures in order to meet the quarterly goal. This will also fetch me a healthy bonus. This is one of
the most challenging dilemmas in career one can face. In this situation, there are consequences
for complying as well as speaking up. Therefore, sticking to the ethical compass would be the
best choice. Looking at the situation from the perspective of five questions, firstly the action is
illegal. I would have not done if I was on the opposite side. There is a better alternative to the
solution by reaching out for help from someone. It is also approved for a trusted person to trust it
along with approval from family, friends and coworkers.

Ethical dilemmas 4: Resume
In this situation, I have the scope to inflate my grade point average or give myself more
experience or a higher job title than my experience to make my resume more attractive. I will not
inflate my grade point average. I will not give more experience to my resume as well to make it
look more attractive. By inflating my grades and experience will only damage my reputation
once it is revealed. It is illegal as it may lead to serious issues. If I was on the opposite side, I
would want an honest report as well. A better alternative would be to focus on the problems and
lack of experiences. Also, it would be trusted by a trusted advisor as well as approved by friends,
family or any coworkers.