Self-Assessment of Ethical Decision Making Predispositions

Abstract

This teaching model is designed to help business students better understand the distinction between a utilitarian and a formalist (“deontological”) approach to ethical decision making without going deeply into the theory of philosophy. Five vignettes are presented to students that illustrate general themes in the classic discussion of ethical theory (Brady, 1990). Analysis of the vignettes helps students identify themselves as a utilitarian or a formalist, assists in their exploring contradictions in their thinking, and helps students better understand individuals who think differently on ethical issues.