Uses of ethical theories

Utilitarianism

Duty Ethics

Ethical Theories

Rawls principles

Rights ethics

Utilitarian Theory
the standard of right conduct is maximization of good consequences ACT UTILITARIAN theory focuses on actions, rather than on general rules. An action is right, if it generates the most overall good for the most people involved RULE UTILITARIAN theory individual actions are right when they are required by set of rules which maximizes the public good.

Duty Ethics (proposed by Immanuel Kant)

actions are consequences of performance of ones duties such as, being honest, not cause suffering of others, being fair to others including the meek and week, being grateful, keeping promises Rawls Principles (1) each person is entitled to the most extensive amount of liberty compatible with an equal amount for others, (2) differences in social power and economic benefits are justified only when they are likely to benefit every one, including members of the most disadvantaged groups

Rights theory
The right to access the truth

The right of privacy

The right not to be injured The right to what is agreed

Uses of Ethical Theories

In understanding moral dilemma

In Justifying professional obligations and decisions

In relating ordinary and professional morality

Resolving moral dilemmas

Ethical theories aid in identifying the moral considerations that constitute a dilemma

Ethical theories provide a more precise sense of what kinds of information are relevant to solving moral dilemmas To rank the relevant moral considerations in order of importance thereby provide guidance in solving moral problems
Provides a framework for moral reasoning

Justifying Moral obligations

Relating Professional and Ordinary morality

View 1

View 4

Interpersonal Communication

View 2

View 3

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Relating Professional and Ordinary morality View 1 engineers acquire moral obligations concerning safety through laws or enforced codes. View 2 engineers acquire special obligations by joining special society and agreeing to live by that societys code of ethics. View 3 through contractual agreements View 4 vow to protect and safeguard the public

Overcoming the Barriers to Effective Interpersonal Communications

Use Feedback Simplify Language Listen Actively Constrain Emotions Watch Nonverbal Cues

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Exhibit 113 Active Listening Behaviors

Source: Based on P.L. Hunsaker, Training in Management Skills (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001).

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Communication Flows

U p w a r d

Lateral

D o w n w a r d

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Exhibit 114 Three Common Organizational Communication Networks and How They Rate on Effectiveness Criteria

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The Grapevine
An informal organizational communication network that is active in almost every organization.
Provides a channel for issues not suitable for formal communication channels. The impact of information passed along the grapevine can be countered by open and honest communication with employees.

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Current Communication Issues (contd)

Managing the Organizations Knowledge Resources
Build online information databases that employees can access. Create communities of practice for groups of people who share a concern, share expertise, and interact with each other.

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Politically Correct Communication

Do not use words or phrases that stereotype, intimidate, or offend individuals based on their differences. However, choose words carefully to maintain as much clarity as possible in communications.

2007 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.

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