Question

Having done well in his job as a staff accountant in the accounts payable department of a major industrial firm for several years since his college graduation, Steven was relaxed as he entered the employee lounge to attend the late-afternoon welcoming reception for his new supervisor, Kristin.

At the reception, Kristen circulated through the room, introducing herself to her new direct reports and asking each of them if they had suggestions that would help make the accounts payable department a better place to work. When she approached Steven, he told her about something that had been on his mind lately: that people seemed to gain promotions and be given paid overtime opportunities based on who liked them, and not on the quality of their work. Kristen politely thanked him for his comment and noted that she would look into it.

Upon his arrival at work the next day, Kristen called Steven into her office. As he sat down, Kristen said, “I will not tolerate individuals in this organization who are not good team players. Yesterday afternoon you led me to believe that there are people in this office who are not acting in the best interests of this company. I want you to tell me the names of the managers you were referring to, or I’ve got to think that you’re part of the problems around here.” Stunned by both the tone and content of her statement, Steven tried to think of a way to respond.

Place yourself in the position of Steven and respond to the following question. Make sure you explain your answer.

5. Analyze Steven’s ethical dilemma from the perspective of the virtue ethics decision-making approach.

Answer 1

According to the virtue approach ethical actions should be consistent with relation to ideal human values. So while taking any decision ethics should play the major role in a person's life rather than the individual interest. Honesty, sympathy, courage, compassion, integrity, fairness, self-control, are some of the virtues which become an integral part of character if made as habit.
Steven's ethical delima is to either protect the company by being honest or to protect the managers who have been truthful to them. Before jumping on to the solution he might first consider what is the ethical issue in the situation and will act accordingly.
He is considering the affected individual which can be either him if he doesn't say the names or it can be the managers if he reveals the names
He is identifying the consequences both positive and negative , their magnitude and short term and long term.
He can loose his job for not replying and can never be accepted in his new company by other employees if he does so.
He must be considering various principles and what is his character. If integrity is the part of his character and seeing the overall good of the organisation he might spit up the names.