What Is Ethical Conflict?

Stealing to feed a hungry family is a famous ethical conflict.

Ethical conflicts arise when someone has to make a choice between violating or abiding by one or more of their moral principles, leading to a paradox where neither choice leaves the individual satisfied. For example, ethical conflict lies at the heart of situations in which a father steals food to feed his starving family or an employee keeps quiet about someone else's misconduct in the workplace in order to save his own job.

Expert Insight

Retired professor Dr. Kelley Ross of Los Angeles Valley College claims that most ethical conflicts have no simple right or wrong answer. Ethical dilemma theories usually leave out either the moral judgment of an action or its consequences.

Significance

Ethical dilemmas often have potentially negative consequences for the decision-maker, especially when it involves work. If a manager asks an employee to destroy evidence, for example, the employee could risk his job by disobeying or, if he complies with the order, might commit a felony.

Tip

Loyola Marymount University suggests two main steps in solving an ethical dilemma. First, analyze the possible outcomes of the situation and the long and short-term effects of them. Second, compare the actions of the possible outcomes and how they stack up to traditional values, such as honesty and not taking advantage of people. Choose the option that is the least compromising of these values.

References

• Loyola Marymount University: Resolving an Ethical Dilemma
• The Proceedings of the Friesian School: The Generalized Structure of Moral/Ethical Dilemmas
• O, the Oprah Magazine: The Uh-Oh Feeling: Sticky Situations at Work