There are four major ethical theories: deontology (or duty), utilitarianism, rights, and virtue. Each one of these theories looks at our ethical behavior in different ways.
There are generally three philosophical approaches, or what may be considered the science, to ethical reasoning: utilitarian ethics; deontological ethics; virtue ethics; When people talk about these areas, they are usually discussing an area of ethics known as normative ethics, or the process of considering and determining ethical behavior.
These three theories of ethics (utilitarian ethics, deontological ethics, virtue ethics) form the foundation of normative ethics conversations. It is important, however, that public relations professionals also understand how to apply these concepts to the actual practice of the profession.
We can define career ethics as a code of practice that determines behaviour by judging whether actions are right or wrong. By following a clear and consistent set of standards, we can reap the benefits they have on our career progression.
There are two broad categories of ethical theories concerning the source of value: consquentialist and non-consequentialist.
Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. It is the only moral framework that can be used to justify military force or war.
There are generally three philosophical approaches, or what may be considered the science, to ethical reasoning:utilitarian ethics.deontological ethics.virtue ethics.
The ethical theories discussed are consequentialism (main advocates: Bentham, 1789/1961; Mill, 1861/1998), deontology (Kant, 1785/1988), and virtue theory (Aristotle, 1984). To explore these theories in the classroom, appropriate teaching resources are needed.
For example, a person has a larger responsibility to simply walk past a person rather than to punch a person as they walk past with no justified reason (3,4). This principle states that an ethical theory should allow people to reign over themselves and to be able to make decisions that apply to their lives.
Four broad categories of ethical theory include deontology, utilitarianism, rights, and virtues.
Ethical theories are thus formal statements about what we ought to do, when faced with an ethical dilemma. Is it, for example, wrong to tell a lie, even if we thereby avoid making somebody sad? Or what if we, by harming one individual, can avoid ten people being harmed; should we in such cases choose the lesser evil?
There are five areas of which one must always be mindful: integrity, competence, responsibility for work, professional responsibility, and the advancement of human welfare. (Johnson 33) These areas are very important to the ethical theories previously discussed.
Here, we take a brief look at (1) utilitarianism, (2) deontology, (3) social justice and social contract theory, and (4) virtue theory. We are leaving out some important perspectives, such as general theories of justice and “rights” and feminist thought about ethics and patriarchy.
Ethics in education helps run the system smoothly. It sets standards that are applicable and protects the interest of both the learner and tutor. Teachers are responsible to help develop the personality of students and act as a mentor to them to influence their personal development and behaviour.
Ethics in the Classroom: What You Need to KnowDo no harm.Make things better.Respect others.Be fair.Be loving.
' The following chapters analyse the answers provided by eight different theories of ethics: egoism, hedonism, naturalism and virtue theory, existentialism, Kantianism, utilitarianism, contractualism and religion.
These three theories of ethics (utilitarian ethics, deontological ethics, virtue ethics) form the foundation of normative ethics conversations. It is important, however, that public relations professionals also understand how to apply these concepts to the actual practice of the profession.
Ethical Theories. As mentioned previously, Rae suggests that ethics are a process that is both an art and a science. There are generally three philosophical approaches, or what may be considered the science, to ethical reasoning: When people talk about these areas, they are usually discussing an area of ethics known as normative ethics, ...
The first ethical system in normative ethics, utilitarianism, is often equated with the concept of “the greatest good for the greatest number.” The idea is that ethical decisions are made based on the consequences of the action, which is why it is also sometimes called consequentialism. Interestingly, Curtin, Gallicano and Matthew found that, when faced with ethical situations in public relations, “Millennials will use utilitarian reasoning to avoid confrontation and achieve consensus.” The attraction of this ethical perspective may lie in the fact that it appears to be a way to weigh out the impact of behavior and determine the greatest good for the greatest number.
Finally, a third and growing area of philosophical reasoning with ethics is known as virtue ethics, one that has gained more attention in public relations scholarship in recent years. This philosophy stems from Aristotle and is based on the virtues of the person making a decision. The consideration in virtue ethics is essentially “what makes a good person,” or, for the purpose of this discussion, “what makes a good public relations professional?” Virtue ethics require the decision-maker to understand what virtues are good for public relations and then decisions are made in light of those particular virtues. For example, if the virtue of honesty is the of utmost importance to a good public relations professional, then all decisions should be made ethically to ensure honesty is preserved.
For example, if the virtue of honesty is the of utmost importance to a good public relations professional, then all decisions should be made ethically to ensure honesty is preserved. While this theory is growing in popularity, there are several objections that can be made.
The challenges to this perspective, however, include 1) conflicts that arise when there is not an agreement about the principles involved in the decision; 2) the implications of making a “right” choice that has bad consequences; and 3) what decisions should be made when duties conflict.
Using outcomes as a measurement of ethics will not, therefore, provide an accurate way for professionals to measure whether decisions are ethical.
Indeed, using ethics to guide your career can lead to a positive domino effect on your success. By having a part in something that generally agrees with your principles, you’re more likely to have a sense of purpose that motivates you. This motivation will be reflected in your work, resulting in increased productivity.
They promote teamwork. Another benefit of ethics is that they promote teamwork as an operational method in your place of employment. By demonstrating the importance of certain values at work, you’ll create a bond with others, which naturally aids collaboration and forges a community.
According to a 2020 study, 79% of employees agree that ethics affect their decision to continue working for their employers. However, as little as 28% believe that businesses follow ethical practices. This alarming statistic could prove fatal for companies that lack moral standards.
Acting accordingly will demonstrate to others that you are ready for more responsibility in your role. 4. They enhance your commitment and performance. Your personal and professional values are a guide for how you behave. Your ethics allow you to choose a professional position and an environment where you’ll thrive.
Careers are like marathons. It’s all about steadily progressing and learning along the way. Although we plan to grow and develop ourselves both professionally and personally throughout our careers, we must be guided by our basic principles. Professional development and ethics go hand-in-hand as we learn to navigate our careers by reading our moral compass.
Inevitably, you’ll make an impression on others with your decisions and actions . This reputation will influence your career development.
Ethics are a key domain in of public administration, in particular the school setting thanks to the vast number of schools in the United States, their community integration and their importance for society a whole.
George Marshall’s Eight Principles of Ethical Leadership offer a strong scaffold for administrators who seek guidance on how to implement ethical practices in their schools. These principles add to the significant conversation about ethical leadership happening within the educational community, and in fact across the public domain.
Leadership for the 21st century is grounded in moral and ethical virtues, but the challenge is to define what exactly moral and ethical virtues are and how they should be measured and implemented.
Their opinions and needs should always precede the self interests of the school leader. Self Control, Self Discipline and Integrity – All types of leadership essentially include these three traits in order to be considered ethical .
Relationships between leaders and followers should not rely too heavily on trust, but rather should be built on mutual respect and ethical actions. Task and Employee Centeredness – School leaders must create a foundation of success that draws from the strengths of the teachers and staff who interact with students.