“Philosophers have been wrestling with ethical decision making for Centuries” (Trevino & Nelson, 2011, p. 39). There are several philosophical theories but Utilitarianism, Deontology, and The Virtue Theory are the theories used commonly. The Utilitarianism theory merely is ethical decision-making, which maximizes the benefit of the decision on what is best for the society. Overall, while minimizing harm. In this theory good should supersede bad. The Deontology theology focuses on what is right “just”, based on moral principles such as honesty. A deontologist does ethically what is right because it is his, or her duty (Trevino & Nelson, 2011). Virtue Ethics: a theory based on the moral character being ethically pure; an approach focusing on “integrity” of the character and not so much on the ethical act done itself. A person of virtue intends to be good because they should not because it is morally right.
Deontology provides a solid framework for avoiding potential ethical issues at work. "It is sometimes described as "duty" or "obligation" or "rule"-based ethics, because rules "bind you to your duty"" (Kelly, 2006, p160). This is a great aspect to have in a fast-paced, minimally supervised workplace. Another point is that employees who function using this approach will generally justify their actions by honoring the organizations policies. An employee who follows this approach believes that the highest virtue will result from doing what one is supposed to according to company policy. They will do this because they will stay true to what they have agreed to do. So, an employee may not have much time to decide on an action or seek guidance from a supervisor if the workplace is fast paced. The action will need to come naturally to this person.
References
Trevino, L.K. & Nelson, K.A. (2011). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Kelly, Eugene. (2006). The Basics of...