One of the problems of Tent Maker ministry is having to make decisions that may affect the lives of others. In my dual role of Methodist Minister and College Principal, I sometimes covet the wisdom of Solomon.As a Manager for over 90 people, I inevitably become involved in disciplinary hearings, where I am called upon to make a decision over accusations, poor practice or incompetence. Am I acting as minister or magistrate as I ask myself the question, "Is the employees action tantamount to Gross Misconduct and therefore warrants dismissal?"
My task is to weigh-up the evidence and pronounce a sentence that is sometimes found in those notorious words, "Your Fired!" But as minister, such decisions weigh heavy on my heart, as I realise the impact that such words would have upon an individual.
Breda Sweeney and Fiona Costello in their work - Moral Intensity and Ethical Decision-making: An Empirical Examination of Undergraduate Accounting and Business Students writes - "Ethical decision-making is theorised to consist of four stages: identification of an ethical dilemma, ethical judgement, ethical intentions and ethical actions. The moral intensity of the situation has been found to influence the ethical decision-making process." or as the prophet Micah put it, He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
So is it really that simple; act, love and walk!
1 comment:
Having taught business ethics and intro to ethics to adult MBA students for the past 7 years I was surprised to learn how few knew the difference between a ethical and moral act. However, at the end of lecture one (classes were 4 hours in length on a week day evening over a nine week period) it was as though 12-14 lights were turned on. They couldn't stop themselves from making comparisons between what were ethical vs. moral acts; socially acceptable vs. Biblically.
It's worth noting that all the students in the MBA program held 4 year university degrees, were in their 30s or older, held senior management positions and the majority identified themselves active church attending Christians.
Since the Enron Corp. collapse, all major USA universities offering graduate business degrees have introduced stand-alone business ethics courses.
Our culture has become anesthetized from much conscious guilt and become instead a, 'if it feels right it must be right' society. Many, including myself, would lay the blame for this on the media and erosion of family values taught at home and less than forthright direction from church leaders.
A well written and interesting article Paul.
Sven Ljungholm
PhD
Ethics
Post a Comment