Assignment Instructions

Building on your understanding of ethics, develop a paper that presents and defends an ethical position that we have studied thus far in the class (you can find a new ethical dilemma or build on the issue from this week’s discussion question).

Identify an ethical problem, dilemma or scenario (from current events, culture, society, politics or the business world) where a leadership decision had to be made. (Use the case studies featured in the textbook as a guide to writing, but do not choose a case study featured in the text.)

Section 1: (2 pages)

Describe the problem or dilemma, the primary participants, and the roles of the participants.

Using the readings and other materials from this course, identify and define the ethical aspects of the chosen problem or dilemma.

Section 2: (3 pages)

State and explain your personal ethical position on the problem/dilemma. Where do you stand? Why? Incorporate course material to explain your ethical perspective. Use at least five outside sources in addition to the textbook.

Develop a plan to resolve the problem, assuming that you were the leader facing the dilemma. Describe the major steps or elements needed to resolve the problem (specific details are not needed). Support your position and provide a rationale on why your plan would be effective.

Section 3: (2 pages)

Offer two possible counter-arguments (based upon other ethical reasoning or potential negative outcomes) or challenges to your reasoning (logical fallacies or biases) and what you might offer or argue in response. (For instance, you might consider potential impacts/perspectives for each argument listed in Section 1 to determine counter-arguments, impacts, and/or challenges.)

Conclude your paper by explaining which argument you think will prevail (for example – on the strength of the logic, greater ethical value, the power of fallacies/biases, or other factors). Provide your rationale.

Mechanics: This assignment is to be submitted as an academic essay. You are required to reference the readings and articles that provide evidence of effectiveness for your proposed plan. Give your paper a title, a brief introduction, and a conclusion. Adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines for citation and references. Limit it to 1,750-2,000 words (7-8 pages) typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1″ margins.