Analyzing an Ethical Dilemma
The purpose of this assignment is to enhance students’ ethical analysis skills through the practical application of ethical models involving ethical issues and dilemmas. The instructor will assign a case involving an ethical dilemma. The student is expected to write an ethical analysis of the case using the ethical decision-making framework. The student will then present his/her analysis of the case to the class.
Dilemma #1
You are an organizer working with a coalition of local neighborhood groups. You have had great difficulty getting the groups to overcome their turf battles and other parochial interests in order to come together towards the unifying goals of neighborhood improvement, crime reduction, and youth engagement. Attendance at meetings has been low, and leaders have spent more time arguing with each other than working together. You are surprised and elated, then, to arrive at one coalition meeting to find more than 80 people gathered and enthusiastic to present a new work plan for the coalition. Apparently, leaders from several of the organizations have concluded that recent immigrants in the neighborhoods are to blame for the conditions of housing deterioration and rising crime. They want to work together to form a ‘neighborhood watch’-style organization that would investigate immigrants’ legal statuses and turn undocumented immigrants over to federal authorities. They also want to stop publishing any neighborhood documents in multiple languages, as ‘that only encourages them.’ There appears to be near unanimity about this problem and the proposed solution—the neighborhood leaders have gone through the coalition’s established channels to win support from the grassroots supporters. As the organizer, you are very concerned, though, as this idea and these positions are contrary to your values and your emphasis on the well-being of all area residents.
Ethical decision making–A professional’s standards of right and wrong when presented with conflicts involving their professional duties and obligations (Strom-Gottfried, 2008).
You’ve practiced a short, five step ETHIC model of decision making (Congress, 1999). Use the following, Reamer’s steps in Ethical Decision-Making.
A. Identify conflicting ethical issues, values, and duties
B. Identify those who are likely to be affected by the decision
C. Identify possible courses of action and their respective risks and benefits
D. Examine reasons in favor of and opposed to each action
E. What colleagues and experts can you consult with
1. How should you respond at this meeting?
2. Which leadership model would be most beneficial for success and why?
3. What should you do after the meeting?
4. With whom do you need to speak?
5. What could you have done differently to try to prevent this situation?
6. What community practice values/principles should guide your actions?
