Ethical systems and frameworks

Ethical Theory or System

Other names for theory

Real World example

Workplace example

Consequence-based ethics

This approach prioritizes the value attached to results of actions. Consequence based approach points at the results of one's action on the others and the fact that other people tend to play a leading role in ethical decision-making.

One needs to evaluate the potential positive and negative effect of the available options in a situation and use the evaluation as a basis of decision making.

Consequentialist Theories

teleological, from the Greek telos

I believe people should be able to eat sand if they want to because they are free to make the decision themselves

Organization prohibits conduct that is dishonest because this will affect the firm's accreditation. The organization has instituted stringent policy that ensures that honesty is upheld more so in dealing with stakeholders, more so the customers.

Rights-based ethics

This theory attributes value to one's human or legal rights. Contractarianism among moral and political theories that priorities and utilizes social contract.

Contractarianism

Kant's Theory of Ethics-Libertarianism-Pluralism

I believe people should be able to eats and if they want to because they are free to make the decision themselves

Employees are obligated to maintain respect towards those in authority and abide by the organizations policy of honesty as a moral duty. This is most suitable in faith-based organizations where honesty is a way of life.

Human nature ethics

This theory attributes value to human beings; subjecting them to morality.

Human nature ethics is the guiding principle when interacting with others (McShea, 1979).

Existentialism-

Rationalism-

I believe people should be able to eat sand if they like the taste of it

Employees are happy with the honesty. For employees to be happy with honesty, they must have benefited or are benefiting from it within the organization and are committed to maintaining it.

Relativistic ethics

This theory is based on the belief that right and wrong are not absolute attributes, but dependent upon ones socialization.

Therefore, there are no moral standards applicable to everybody at all times. Moral standard is a cultural product (Beauchamp, 2001)

Ethical Egalitarianism

Rightness and self-interest

I believe I will eat sand because it is the standard meal for my community

The employees have no choice but to abide by the established norms in the organization. The employees might not value honesty, but are forced by the circumstances with the organization. Here honesty is a way of life and is what the employees uphold.