PRF2601
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025
,ACTIVITIES
How decisions are made has a lot to do with how effective they turn out to be. Discuss the ethical
decision-making in detail and provide examples or scenarios.
Ethical Decision-Making: A Detailed Discussion with Examples
Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making
Ethical decision-making is a fundamental process that plays a critical role in shaping individual
behaviors, organizational policies, and societal norms. It is the method by which individuals and
institutions assess different options and choose a course of action that aligns with ethical principles,
moral values, and legal standards. Ethical decision-making is not just about following rules or laws; it
requires deep reflection, analysis, and an understanding of how decisions impact people,
organizations, and society at large. It is a structured approach that helps individuals and
organizations navigate complex dilemmas while ensuring that their actions are just, fair, and
responsible.
At its core, ethical decision-making involves identifying ethical dilemmas—situations in which an
individual or organization must choose between competing values or interests. These dilemmas
often arise when a decision benefits one party but may harm another or when an individual must
decide between what is legally permissible and what is morally right. Ethical decision-making goes
beyond personal gain or corporate profitability; it requires a commitment to integrity,
accountability, and fairness.
One of the defining aspects of ethical decision-making is the consideration of various stakeholders—
those who are affected by the decision. These stakeholders can include individuals, employees,
customers, shareholders, communities, and even the environment. A decision that benefits one
group may negatively impact another, which is why ethical decision-making requires a balanced
approach that seeks to minimize harm while maximizing fairness and justice. For example, a business
considering a cost-cutting measure that involves laying off employees must weigh the financial
benefits against the social and personal consequences of job loss for workers and their families.
Ensuring that ethical decisions align with moral values, laws, and professional standards is another
critical aspect of the decision-making process. Different professions and industries have established
ethical codes that provide guidelines for appropriate conduct. In medicine, for instance, doctors
follow the Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes principles such as patient confidentiality, non-
maleficence (do no harm), and beneficence (acting in the best interest of the patient). In business,
, organizations adhere to corporate ethics policies that promote transparency, honesty, and fair
treatment of employees and customers. Legal frameworks also play an essential role in guiding
ethical decisions, as laws establish minimum standards for behavior. However, ethical decision-
making often goes beyond mere legal compliance—it involves doing what is right, even when there
is no explicit legal requirement to do so.
Ethical decision-making is crucial across various aspects of life, including personal life, business,
healthcare, law, politics, and technology. In personal life, ethical choices define one’s character and
shape relationships. For example, an individual may face an ethical dilemma when deciding whether
to tell a difficult truth or withhold information to protect someone’s feelings. In business, ethical
decision-making determines corporate reputation, trustworthiness, and long-term success.
Companies that engage in unethical practices, such as false advertising or unfair labor practices, may
experience short-term financial gains but ultimately suffer from legal penalties and loss of consumer
trust.
In the field of healthcare, ethical decision-making is essential because medical professionals
frequently face life-or-death situations. Decisions about patient treatment, confidentiality, and end-
of-life care require careful ethical considerations to ensure that actions align with both medical
principles and human rights. In the legal and political spheres, ethical decision-making ensures that
laws and policies serve the public interest rather than personal or political gains. Judges, lawmakers,
and law enforcement officers are expected to make decisions based on fairness, justice, and
adherence to legal principles rather than personal biases or external pressures.
In today’s world, ethical decision-making is also increasingly relevant in areas such as artificial
intelligence, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Technology companies must decide
how to handle data privacy, misinformation, and automation's ethical implications on employment.
Governments and corporations face ethical dilemmas regarding climate change policies and
corporate responsibility toward environmental protection. Ethical decision-making in these areas is
crucial for ensuring a sustainable, fair, and just future for society.
Ultimately, ethical decision-making is not always straightforward, as different individuals and
cultures may have varying perspectives on what constitutes ethical behavior. Some decisions involve
moral gray areas where there is no clear right or wrong answer. This is why ethical decision-making
requires critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to consider multiple viewpoints
before arriving at a responsible and justifiable decision. By integrating ethical reasoning into
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025
,ACTIVITIES
How decisions are made has a lot to do with how effective they turn out to be. Discuss the ethical
decision-making in detail and provide examples or scenarios.
Ethical Decision-Making: A Detailed Discussion with Examples
Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making
Ethical decision-making is a fundamental process that plays a critical role in shaping individual
behaviors, organizational policies, and societal norms. It is the method by which individuals and
institutions assess different options and choose a course of action that aligns with ethical principles,
moral values, and legal standards. Ethical decision-making is not just about following rules or laws; it
requires deep reflection, analysis, and an understanding of how decisions impact people,
organizations, and society at large. It is a structured approach that helps individuals and
organizations navigate complex dilemmas while ensuring that their actions are just, fair, and
responsible.
At its core, ethical decision-making involves identifying ethical dilemmas—situations in which an
individual or organization must choose between competing values or interests. These dilemmas
often arise when a decision benefits one party but may harm another or when an individual must
decide between what is legally permissible and what is morally right. Ethical decision-making goes
beyond personal gain or corporate profitability; it requires a commitment to integrity,
accountability, and fairness.
One of the defining aspects of ethical decision-making is the consideration of various stakeholders—
those who are affected by the decision. These stakeholders can include individuals, employees,
customers, shareholders, communities, and even the environment. A decision that benefits one
group may negatively impact another, which is why ethical decision-making requires a balanced
approach that seeks to minimize harm while maximizing fairness and justice. For example, a business
considering a cost-cutting measure that involves laying off employees must weigh the financial
benefits against the social and personal consequences of job loss for workers and their families.
Ensuring that ethical decisions align with moral values, laws, and professional standards is another
critical aspect of the decision-making process. Different professions and industries have established
ethical codes that provide guidelines for appropriate conduct. In medicine, for instance, doctors
follow the Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes principles such as patient confidentiality, non-
maleficence (do no harm), and beneficence (acting in the best interest of the patient). In business,
, organizations adhere to corporate ethics policies that promote transparency, honesty, and fair
treatment of employees and customers. Legal frameworks also play an essential role in guiding
ethical decisions, as laws establish minimum standards for behavior. However, ethical decision-
making often goes beyond mere legal compliance—it involves doing what is right, even when there
is no explicit legal requirement to do so.
Ethical decision-making is crucial across various aspects of life, including personal life, business,
healthcare, law, politics, and technology. In personal life, ethical choices define one’s character and
shape relationships. For example, an individual may face an ethical dilemma when deciding whether
to tell a difficult truth or withhold information to protect someone’s feelings. In business, ethical
decision-making determines corporate reputation, trustworthiness, and long-term success.
Companies that engage in unethical practices, such as false advertising or unfair labor practices, may
experience short-term financial gains but ultimately suffer from legal penalties and loss of consumer
trust.
In the field of healthcare, ethical decision-making is essential because medical professionals
frequently face life-or-death situations. Decisions about patient treatment, confidentiality, and end-
of-life care require careful ethical considerations to ensure that actions align with both medical
principles and human rights. In the legal and political spheres, ethical decision-making ensures that
laws and policies serve the public interest rather than personal or political gains. Judges, lawmakers,
and law enforcement officers are expected to make decisions based on fairness, justice, and
adherence to legal principles rather than personal biases or external pressures.
In today’s world, ethical decision-making is also increasingly relevant in areas such as artificial
intelligence, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Technology companies must decide
how to handle data privacy, misinformation, and automation's ethical implications on employment.
Governments and corporations face ethical dilemmas regarding climate change policies and
corporate responsibility toward environmental protection. Ethical decision-making in these areas is
crucial for ensuring a sustainable, fair, and just future for society.
Ultimately, ethical decision-making is not always straightforward, as different individuals and
cultures may have varying perspectives on what constitutes ethical behavior. Some decisions involve
moral gray areas where there is no clear right or wrong answer. This is why ethical decision-making
requires critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to consider multiple viewpoints
before arriving at a responsible and justifiable decision. By integrating ethical reasoning into
