Question

Describe an ethical dilemma that you experienced, or have witnessed in a change leader, when attempting to initiate change. How was the ethical dilemma resolved? What can a change leader use to guide decision making when faced with an ethical dilemma? Job related

Answer 1

The ethical dilemma I have faced as a change leader was the implementation of a new technological advancement in a garment manufacturing plant, where instead of manual cutting of lays, automatic CNC cutters were to be introduced. The dilemma I faced was to decide between what is ethically correct, installing the new technology in the favour of the company or staying with the older methods and saving the jobs of multiple experienced an loyal operators to the company. The cutting masters who were to be replaced were with the company for many years, and have grown their skill and expertise with the company’s growth over the years.

The ethical dilemma got resolved when I focused on what my position as change leader demands me to do, and that was to work in company’s best interests and improve company’s efficiency. Also, after several requests and pursuing, the company offered the relived cutting masters another job profile offers if they are willing to accept it, and severance pay with references to help them sustain themselves till they find other suitable jobs.

When making decisions and faced with an ethical dilemma, a change leader can apply the utilitarianism ethical theory and think of the greater good, thus choosing the decision that helps the change leader achieve greater good, provided the decision does not conflict with what the change leader’s expected job role entails. If there is a conflict in the job expectations, then the decision should be to ensure that the change leader is working in the best interests of the employer, as ethically it is the first responsibility of the change leader.