The concept of ethics and morality

A Crucial Factor: Ethics and Morality

A crucial factor in defining an individual's actions is the idea of ethics and morality, which is a hot topic in today's culture. In the field of business, it is clear that the concept of ethics is crucial for assisting a person in determining the appropriate course of action while carrying out their duties. In fact, it has been observed that the majority of people in business tend to compromise the necessary ethnic values and blame societal rivalry. Every individual should enroll in relevant courses to aid in their acquisition of the skills and information required in this sector, and ethical principles are a prerequisite. It is clear that pupils have been mistreated, As illustrated by Prof. DeZoort, it is evident that students have been misguided by the societal values and thus, the institutions of higher education should take an initiative to eradicate the unethical behaviors in the society (Snell, 2013).

Jerry: The Antagonist

Based on the case study in SLP 2 assignment, Jerry is the antagonist and his actions based on the scenario will determine his character and moral values. Jerry is a professional excavator and this is seen by the fact that he heads the excavation crew in Nebraska. As indicated, he has been performing his duties without a trench box and he has never encountered a major problem with that. The municipality has implemented a rule that an employee should not work without a trench box due to the safety measures. The moral challenge in the scenario is that Jerry may resolve the problem without the toolbox, but it is a requirement that he should use it during this period.

Breaking the Rules for a Common Good

In my opinion, breaking the rules for a common good depends on the moral compass one holds in a certain situation. Based on this scenario, Jerry is fixed in a dilemma of choosing between value-based ethics or rule-based ethics. Based on the value-based ethnics, the residents of that area are in dire need of Jerry’s help and he is thus deemed to help them as long as there will be no harm. The tool, which is now a requirement for fixing the trench, is not available for the next six hours and according to the analysis done by Jerry regarding the soil cohesion, fixing the sewer without the trench box may not be dangerous. On the other hand, it is a rule that Jerry should not attempt to fix the sewer without the trench box due to safety measures. For this reason, allowing the crew without the trench box would be exceeding the limit since they will be breaking the ethical regulations and also risking their lives through taking such actions. It has been reported that people die yearly from trench cave-ins and there is no dire proof that they will be safe in the trench without a trench box. Therefore, Jerry should abide to rule based ethics and avoid taking such risky actions since it may cause loss of lives. As illustrated by DeZoort, compliance is part of ethics and thus going against the rules is unethical (Snell, 2013). Despite the fact that the City safety Director is not available, it is not ethically right for Jerry to enter the trench without the trench box due to his life safety.

A Gray Area

A gray area occurs when there is no clear boundary between morality and ethnic values. Morality focuses more on an individual’s code of behavior while ethnics lie in the rules and regulations set (Brannmark, 2009). Based on the scenario, a gray area occurs to Jerry, whose personal morality overrides the City’s ethical policies. Despite the fact that the regulations require Jerry to use a trench box as a safety regulatory measure, he is convinced that he can manage to repair the sewer without the trench box. On the other hand, manipulation may also be an indicator of gray area and the City Administrator portrays this concept. There is some aspect of manipulations illustrated by the tone and words of the city Administrator who tells Jerry to fix the sewer as quick as possible since a city council member lives in that area.

Jerry's Decision

In my opinion, Jerry should not repair the sewer without the trench box since it is a violation of the City safety regulations. This is because compliance is part of the ethics and violating such rules may not only be unethical, but also risking his life. Therefore, despite the complaint from the residents, Jerry should maintain calmness and wait for the trench box for him to conduct the repair.

The Importance of Ethics Programs

Engaging in ethics programs is an essential aspect and equips individuals with the knowledge and skills of dealing with arising scenarios in work places. Such programs also build the character of an individual and provide one with the knowledge of bridging the gap between knowing what is right and good (Snell, 2013). “Leaders and supervisors have the responsibility of bridging the gap between the needs of the company and its regulations and ensure that they undertake actions that are ethical and morally right (Brannmark, 2009)”. As a supervisor, Jerry should take the problems of the residents in hand and ensure that the toolbox has arrived for the repair. He should also consider the City safety standards and avoid breaking such rules since it may not only cause him problems but also risk his life.

References

Brannmark, J. (2009). Goodness, Values, Reasons. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 12(4), 329-343. doi:10.1007/s10677-009-9175-5

Snell, R. (2013). Teaching Rule-Based ethics and Value-Based ethics. Journal of Healthcare compliance, 5.