Question

Using the results-based lens can lead to inappropriate results at times. Please answer the following questions, assuring you use proper citations and references.

1. Find at least one public example of someone who has applied the results-based lens (one that has been published in a widely read source) within the last year. Specific examples can include when someone has exercised the abuse of power and/or hubris when seeking his or her desired outcome.
2. Using the conceptual map on page 202 of your text, identify which ”dark side(s)” (blind spot, vice, risks, or hubris) applied to the example.
3. How do you know that the results lens was applied inappropriately?
4. How might you help to assure the results-based lens is not applied inappropriately in your personal and/or professional life?
5. What strategies can you use to recognize and deal with the imbalance that can arise when applying this lens? Consider abuse of power and hubris when answering this question.

Answer 1

People who are using the lens of results believe that people can choose to become happy, productive members of the community with encouragement and support. These people tend to be more optimistic and decide on what is right and will benefit others. Secondary values assist individuals with choices and consequences to achieve their desired objective. However, the use of the results lens can result in inappropriate action due to potential strength and hybridity.

An example of someone who has used the results lens inappropriately is Donald Trump. There is much debate around him pertaining to the use of this words, actions, and greed for power. Donald Trump made a name for himself by becoming a business tycoon mogul and has always had an outspoken personality about himself. However, in the recent presidential election, Donald Trump has gained more haters than supporters. During this presidential campaign, Trump used his platform to spread a level of hate instead of discussing important issues to Americans and how he planned on improving these issues. Although he made be considered a successful businessman, his values and views are actually bigoted, he's uninformed on key positions, he possess a greedmonger's spirit, borderline racist, and lacks respect for various groups of individuals (Ryan, 2016). Trump continuously chose to focus on negatively attacking various individuals and groups of individuals for his personal benefit and growth. He has proven a lack of consideration and respect and is narrow-minded on his views and values of the country. I feel that Trump applied the results lens inappropriately because his actions can be considered unethical, his goal was based more on a personal level than for the benefit of the community, and the process he took was inappropriate.

The focus of the results lens is the outcome of our actions. Abusing the use of power or hubris can result in the inappropriate application of the results lens in both our professional and personal life. In order to create a balance, we must be able to use our feelings and intuitions to determine what the best choices are. The more we are able to deal with imbalance, the greater chance we can achieve the highest level of success, contentment and stability. If we fail to deal with imbalances, we may develop a certain type of behavior that is considered unethical and damaging to not only ourselves, others around us, and to the community. The secondary values that are associated with this lens emphasize the freedom of action of the ethical actor. These values allow us to carefully consider possible consequences of the choices and decisions we make towards achieving our goals (Baird, 2012). With that said, it is important when applying the results lens that we take into consideration the secondary values; such as maximizing satisfaction, efficiency, and avoiding conflict of interest, in order to achieve a greater level of balance.
Reference:
Baird, C.A. (2012). Everyday Ethics: Making Wise Choices in a Complex World. Denver, CO. Ethics Game Press.
Ryan, T. (2016).