The Complexity of Ethical Dilemmas

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Before Writing:

  • Review Chapters 2, 3, and 4 in The Ethics Challenges in Public Service, paying close attention to the exhibits in each chapter. Think about the ethical dilemmas presented.
  • As you review these chapters, also pay close attention to and assess the ethical problems portrayed in the case studies at the end of each chapter: “A Sign of the Times,” “Real or Perceived?” and “The Contract.”
  • Select one of the case studies and assess whether the ethical dilemma was caused by an individual, an organization, a situation, or a combination of the three.
  • Then consider how the ethical problem might have been avoided or mitigated with ethical leadership.

The Assignment:

  • Choose one of the case studies “A Sign of the Times,” “Real or Perceived?” and “The Contract.”

1-2 Pages APA

  • Write a brief description of the ethical dilemma presented in the case study you selected.
  • Explain how individual, institutional, or situational causes—or a combination of the three—led to the dilemma.
  • Justify your response with references to the Learning Resources.
  • Finally, describe two ways that this dilemma could have been avoided or mitigated by an ethical leader.

Support Assignment with specific references to the Learning Resources.

  • Course Text: The Ethics Challenge in Public Service
    • Chapter 2, “Obeying and Implementing the Law”
    • Chapter 3, “Serving the Public Interest”
    • Chapter 4, “Taking Individual Responsibility”