MORAL FRAMEWORK

The Best Approach to a Moral Framework



The Best Approach to a Moral Framework

Introduction

Ethics exists in a multitude of formats from the philosophical and abstract to the realm of applied contexts defined by statutes and codes. All forms vary in their situational importance and some present as contradictory to each other. Scholars and students often find that ethical studies within a particular field follow a similar developmental pattern of moving from concrete, or black and white, to a more fluid shades-of-gray model. Narrowing the focus to applied, organizational-level ethics in the nonprofit sector we find an emerging body of knowledge that is moving along this developmental continuum.

It might be claimed that if a business entity has an appropriate moral framework in place for both management, and employees, then certain ethical problems just will not appear. That is not to say that there will not be ethical lapses within the organization, but rather that a structure will be in place such that ethical decisions can be reached in a systematic and fair way. There are three fundamental theories in ethics that provide solutions for laying such kind of moral framework in an organization. This paper aims to familiarize the readers with these theories and recommend one of these theories for setting up a moral framework in an organization (Allinson, 1998).

Utilitarianism

In this doctrine of ethics, it is considered that the outcome of an action determines whether the action is good or bad morally. It can also be referred to as consequentialism. More precisely, the ends justify the means. If an act contributes positively to the overall utility, the utilitarian theorist would consider such act morally good. Now, utility is defined differently by different thinkers. It could be taken as happiness versus suffering, or pleasure versus pain. Utility is also referred to as satisfaction of the preferences (Allinson, 1998).

Deontology

In this doctrine of ethics, an act is considered right or wrong upon its very own moral nature, rather than the nature of its consequences. The word 'Deontology' is derived from a Greek word deon which means duty or obligation. Therefore this doctrine can also be referred to as obligation based or duty based ethics. It is in complete opposition with the Utilitarianism, according to which an act is considered right if its outcome is positive.

Virtue Ethics Virtue Ethics emerges from moral philosophy. This doctrine lays its focus on character, as opposed ...