In this assignment, you will apply the ethical theories and discussions that we have studied in
class. You will use the example of the case of Toby Groves in the podcast. You are expected
to use the following materials:
1. Podcast (Details below)
2. Kissick text, Chapter 3, 9 and/or Boatright text Chapter 1 & 2
3. Powerpoint slides and Class discussions and any other material from our
textbooks that you find relevant
4. Your own research, experience and opinion
Your Assignment:
Read/Review Kissick, Chapter 3 & 9 and/or Boatright Chapter 1 & 2
Listen to the NPR Podcast: Why People make Bad Decisions (Planet Money, Episode
363. Originally aired in April 2012, rebroadcast in 2015). You may access it (as a podcast or
as a transcript) at: https://www.npr.org/2012/05/01/151764534/psychology-of-fraud-whygood-people-do-bad-things
https://www.npr.org/2012/05/01/151764534/psychology-of-fraud-why-good-people-do-bad-things
In a 1000-1500 word research essay, with a proper introduction and conclusion, you
must discuss the following issues and answer the related questions:
1. How could unethical decisions be made?
After listening to the Podcast, consider the actions of Toby Groves and the possible
causes of the unethical decisions made:
a) Identify and explain 2 factors that could have influenced Toby’s unethical
decision making
b) Identify and explain 2 factors that could have influenced his employees
willingness to help him
2. Ethical Frames/Mindsets:
The podcast discusses Business Frames and Ethical Frames for looking at decisions.
It also provides examples of how we might put people into ethical frames (or
mindsets) to help them keep an ethical perspective when making decisions – like
changing auditors every few years or putting a sentence at the beginning of every
business contract saying that lying on the contract is unethical and illegal.
Provide 2 other examples of things you might do to put people into ethical frames or
mindsets in the context of making business decisions and behaviour in the workplace.
2
3. Analyze an Ethical dilemma of your own
(The Ethical Decision-Making Framework on Page 130-131 of the Kissick Textbook
may help you).
a) Provide a brief summary of the facts of the ethical dilemma at work or in college
that you have faced or are facing (do not use people’s real names). If you cannot
think of one, contact me ASAP at Christopher.sweeney@senecacollege.ca and I
will provide you one.
b) Provide a Stakeholder analysis (point form or a chart is permissible to answer this
sub-question)
c) What are the alternatives or possible courses of action that can be taken to
address the ethical dilemma? What are possible consequences of each
alternative?
d) Are there any laws or policies or organizational culture that need to be taken into
consideration in analyzing the ethical dilemma?
e) Are there any other influences that should be considered (such as: pressure or
expectations of your boss/leader? your personal interests or values? ongoing or
other relationships?)
f) Considering all of the above factors, what decision would you take?
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