Ethical Problem Solving Techniques II

1. Ethical ProblemSolving Techniques II Luis Alvarez Jose Ruiz LaKausha Simpson Michelle Woomer

2. Agenda • Conflict Problems • Bribery vs. Gifts • Analyzing the Situation • Avoiding Bribes • The Agnew Case

3. Conflict Problems • 3 Considerations for Resolution • Health and safety above all • “Creative” middle way • Bite the bullet (go with your gut)

4. The Challenger Decision

5. Conflict ProblemsStep 1: Rethinking and Critiquing • What we know (at that time): • O-ring performance at lower temperatures is ambiguous at best • The temperature is drastically lower than the O-ring has ever been tested at • If the O-ring fails, the shuttle can explode • Our Solution: Yes there is a chance that lives will be lost. DO NOT LAUNCH • NASA Solution: Let’s move on to step 2.

6. Conflict ProblemsStep 2: Can We Compromise? • What we know (at that time): • Cancellation can result in loss of funding • Delaying the launch may be impossible due to mission timing • Informing astronauts of the risk and allow them decide to proceed or decline • Our Solution: Inform the astronauts of the risks involved and give them the option to walk • NASA Solution: Let’s move on to step 3

7. Conflict Problems Step 3: Bite the Bullet • What we know (at the time): • If launch goes well, everybody is happy • If launch goes wrong, results are worse than consequences of cancellation • If launch is stopped, jobs are lost • Our Solution: People can find new jobs; do not risk the astronauts • NASA Solution: Launch…

8. Bribery vs. Gifts • Since the difference between a gift and a bribe can be ambiguous, it is important to avoid even the appearance of a bribe • Bribery is illegal because it inhibits competition of a free market economy

9. Bribery vs. Gifts • Bribery – the practice of offering something, usually money, in order to gain an illicit advantage • Gift – something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation

10. Bribery vs. Gifts Bribes Large sums of money and items of large monetary values often cross that fine line Gifts Coffee mugs, t-shirts, and pens are often seen as simple promotional items Examples of…

11. Analyzing the Situation • 3 Issues to Analyze • Factual Issue • Who offered the gift? • What is its purpose and value? • When was it offered? • Conceptual Issue • Determine if the gift has enough value to influence decision • Moral Issue • Once the facts and concepts are analyzed, the moral issues are clear

13. Avoiding Bribes • How can you determine if something is a bribe or gift? • Use line drawing technique • Use flow chart to examine consequences of actions • Adhere to company policy • Seek approval from management

14. Avoiding Bribes New York Times Test “Could your actions withstand the scrutiny of a newspaper reporter? Could you stand to see your name in the newspaper in an article about a gift you received? If you couldn’t easily defend your action without resorting to self-serving rationalizations, then you probably shouldn’t do it.”

15. The Agnew Case • Background • A little goes a long way • Big payoffs • Tax evasions • First vice presidency resignation

16. The Agnew Case • Reasons to avoid this situation • Long term costs • Ruined reputations • Never know who you can trust • Immorality

17. The Agnew Case • The Right Path • Allow talent and skills to be your advantage • Abide by the law • Use common sense

18. QUESTIONS??