For me there are three main lessons that I have learned throughout this course in relation to ethical decision making and the role that ethical decisions make in our roles.
1. There are steps to our ethical learning and development.
For me, this lesson has a two part application. The first is that I am in charge of my own learning and growth in regard to my ethical knowledge and behavior. I must continue to learn and growth and to make ethical decisions that are solidly based in what is right and wrong.
The second piece of this lesson is when understanding others. I lead a workforce of about 600 agents that are a part of a union. They often justify their actions based on the behavior of their peers rather than doing the right thing. This is a characteristic of the conventional level of ethical growth (Andre & Velasquez, 1987). However, it becomes very easy to distinguish the more mature agents, or people of higher character, because they do the consistently show ethical behavior. This is the next level of ethical development or the post-conventional level of ethical growth (Andre & Velasquez, 1987). Understanding this difference can help me understand and coach these people in different ways.
2. Our ethical obligation can vary depending on our position.
Because of my position within my organization, I am held to a higher ethical standard. While this is not necessary a new revelation, the materials in this class emphasized the importance of this fact. In a Leadership position, my influence and power is greater and therefore has more impact on the people that report to me. It is my duty and moral obligation to ensure that I am doing the right thing consistently.
3. My role in society is not something that I can ethically ignore.
Due to my experience, education level and income, I need to be more mindful of my decisions and how they can affect society as a whole. I need to use my spending power with thoughtful decisions. Specifically, when it comes to eating, I need to be more educated on what I am buying and whether or not it is ethically grown or sourced. I have the discretionary income that I am ethically obligated to make more intentional decisions (LaFollette, 2007).
Overall, I think my view of ethics has changed. Now that I am more educated on the subject I can see that I need to make more conscious decisions based on my ethical and moral obligation. I am thankful for what this class has taught me and how it has positively influenced my life.
References:
Andre, C., & Velasquez, M. (1987, Fall). Can ethics be taught? Retrieved March 21, 2021, from https://www.scu.edu/mcae/publications/iie/v1n1/taught.html
LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.
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