Question

Q17

Describe and differentiate among the following approaches to ethics: [3 Marks]

(a) Best-ratio approach.

(b) Black and white approach and

(c) Full-potential approach.

DO NOT WRITE THE ANSWER - USE WORD FORMAT.

NO PLAGIARISM IN THE ANSWER PLEASE.

Answer 1

This three approaches mentioned here are focused on creating environment where decisions are made. These are not necessarily a decision making approach but approach to creation of decision making environment.

Best-ratio approach: Best-ratio approach focuses on the fact that the situation may cause people to make unethical decisions but inherently people want to make the right and ethical decision. The job of the organization, the system and the managers should be provide an environment where the chances of making ethical decision is higher than making unethical decision. Some degree of unethical decisions are tolerated given that the ratio between ethical and unethical act is skewed in favor of ethical decisions.

Black and white approach: In this approach, the organization and the system views every decision as right or wrong. There is no middle ground and unethical decisions are not tolerated. This is irrespective of the situation a decision maker may face in his course of duty. The actors are under pressure to make ethical decision irrespective of the consequences.

Full-potential approach: Full-potential approach is a human focused decision making process and creation of the environment. The managers are expected to create environment, culture and situations where an employee can reach his/her full potential in decision making prowess. In addition, the employees who make their own decision should not be encroaching into the rights of others but be able to achieve their goals ethically. That is only possible if the employees/actors reach their full potential.