Professional_Dilemma_Paper

PROFESSIONAL DILEMMA PAPER Professional Dilemma Paper Jesse Griffin University of Phoenix GEN/480 Allison Cressy Wilson, Ph.D. November 16, 2009 Abstract My ethics are to conduct myself in a manner that always sets an example, to respect the rights of others, and to treat others with respect and dignity. Additionally, my ethics are to obey the laws of our society and to teach my children acceptable ethical behaviors. My personal values maybe different from other individual's values and will reflect my experiences. In the workplace personal values should be aligned with organizational values to ensure that integrity, the company's mission and vision is foremost. Ethical dilemmas are prevalent in all areas of life. In each helping profession, ethical guidelines and codes require that professionals act morally and in the best interest of the client. As a prospective counseling psychologist, I would need keen judgment to recognize and professional skills to handle an ethical dilemma. This paper details my personal experience of an ethical dilemma while working as a Contracts Specialist. My objective is to describe the experience, Analyze the ethical dilemma, and to evaluate the outcome. Professional Dilemma Paper Describe the experience: As I reflect back during my time in the Marine Corps, I have witnessed what some might consider un-ethical decisions made while serving in the capacity of Contracts administrator. I look back at what went wrong and why companies fail to reveal their moral and ethical shortcomings, or conflicts. Sometimes a conflict is not just a conflict between right and wrong. People tend to tell others what they want to hear. I will discuss one instance in particular that was witness however, I will not offer-up any names, times, or the company involved. The Marine Corps has inspections, audits and evaluations because sometimes, there is a difference between what people report and what the reality is. For example, some unit readiness reports are not quite accurate because careers depend upon those goals and standards, and if a unit does not meet what is known as “mission readiness” meaning, when the Commander-in-Chief says be ready to deploy within 24 hours and the unit officer cannot deploy because of faulty equipment than it can be career ending for that Officer-in-charge. Therefore, some Commanders are tempted to "omit important details.” The efficacy of some of the body armor and vehicles in Iraq is an example where people did not fully report on the deficiencies of the equipment. Our Military contracts have guidelines and deadlines that they are required to be met. Part of the ethical dilemma between the contractor and the U.S. government is that they may not accurately report data because it would adversely affect the award of the contract. Analyze the ethical dilemma: Some military officials most likely know that the contractor is not accurately reporting data, which could mean they are as much responsible for the failure of the equipment as the contractor. Ethics are principles that define behavior as fair and proper and they are concerned with how a moral person should behave concerning an ethical decision (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002). Evaluating and deciding among competing options is often vital in making a choice since principles do not always dictate a single "moral" course of action. Besides believing in the importance of ethics, ethical decision-making requires foresight and sensitivity to consequence of choices, the ability to evaluate complex and incomplete facts, and the skill to achieve the required goals behind the choice being made (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002). Evaluate the outcome: The outcome was simple because the need for ethical responsibility in leadership is both imminent and imperative. Ethical leaders are not merely those who lead with passion and get things done, they are those who are able to do it in the right way. Ethical leaders are concerned about the issues of fairness and justice. This decision seems both uncalculated and extremely costly. The fairness and justice for the American people seems all but lost. This war has already yielded, great tragedy and turmoil in Iraq and dissention and division in America. What we do not need is to have our young men and woman equipped with faulty gear in the face of danger. "Ethics is central to all effective leadership, and the leader helps to establish and reinforce the organization's values" (Northouse, 2004). All leaders have in agenda, a belief system, values, and ideas that they wish to put into action. However, it should be more important to a leader to act in support of the young men and woman on the front-lines in their best interest rather than to use their power and position as a tool to manipulate or to present false information. Making decision is a major portion of a Marine Officers responsibility. It is not an easy aspect that should be taken lightly nor can it be done in a hasty manner. Hasty or careless decisions can have devastating results on a unit’s mission. Decisions are made with deliberate thought using different processes could lead to a successful outcome. Organizational values have to include concepts that facilitate the success of the organization, business, or unit (if military). In a military organization, readiness is one of the measures of success. The organization promotes honor, dedication and initiative among its members to achieve its ongoing readiness. Career enhancement requires a member success in his or her current position, which usually includes meeting readiness goals. One must look at the moral and ethical position an organization takes and what roles its leadership models in creating cultural values. Conclusion: We all have the power to make decisions and we are morally responsible for the consequences of our choices (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2002). The process of making ethical decisions requires commitment and the desire to do the right thing regardless of the cost. It also requires competency and an awareness to act consistently. Good decisions are ethical, acquiring and maintaining trust, and demonstrating responsibility and fairness is what is expected from the American people. References Northouse, Peter. Leadership: Theory and Practice. California: Sage Publications, 2004. Retrieved October, 13 2009. Josephson Institute of Ethics. 2002. "Making Sense of Ethics". Retrieved October, 13 2009.