Theories of Ethical Decision-Making

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Ethical Decision-Making Theories Abstract 1 In a world that seems to grow more corrupt with each new day, consumers are looking for corporations with integrity and character in their employees, their leadership, and their business practices. I will explore the characteristics of ethical decision-making theories, including, ethical egoism, utilitarianism, and virtue theory from a uniquely Christian perspective. I will also discuss the implications of each theory in a secular business environment. Theories of Ethical Decision-Making On December 19th, 1998, United States President Bill Clinton was brought up on charges of lying while under oath and obstruction of justice after it was reveled that he was having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky (History.com). On December 2nd, 2001, the energy giant Enron filed for bankruptcy, “Enron's collapse had cost investors billions of dollars, wiped out some 5,600 jobs and liquidated almost $2.1 billion in pension plans” (History.com). On December 11th, 2008, billionaire Bernard Madoff was arrested after it was reported by his son’s the day before that he was the mastermind behind a long running Ponzi scheme (History.com). These are merely three examples in an exhaustive list of the apparent lack moral and ethical understanding in the United States from the political and business leadership arenas. Did any of the people involved in any of the events listed above, take a moment to consider the ethical ramifications of their actions? Did they perhaps lack the training and understanding of how to do so? Is it any wonder then that the consumer group in America is clamoring for corporations that produce goods and services which are designed, built, and delivered under the leadership, policies, and procedures that display ethical responsibility? By understanding the basic principles of ethical decision-making

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