apply duty ethics (ethics) in the context of contemporary business controversies. By exploring these issues, students will develop a more nuanced appreciation of the challenges and benefits of applying a duty-based ethical framework in the modern corporate world.
Choose a recent business controversy or ethical dilemma. This could relate to issues such as:
· Data privacy and surveillance by tech companies or patient data privacy in the era of digital health records.
· Labor practices and workers' rights in the gig economy.
· Environmental responsibilities and controversies surrounding sustainability efforts.
· Mergers and acquisitions that might reduce competition.
· Issues of corporate social responsibility in the face of political or social unrest.
· Challenges related to discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
· Using materials sourced from conflict zones or through child labor.
Background Research
Provide a brief overview of the chosen controversy. What is the nature of the issue, and which businesses or industries are involved? Detail the primary stakeholders affected by the controversy. Research required. (1 page)
Duty Ethics
Explain the principles of duty ethics, with a particular emphasis on Immanuel Kant’s deontological principles, including the categorical imperative. Research required. (1 ½ pages)
Analysis from a Duty Ethics Perspective
Analyze the chosen controversy from a duty ethics standpoint. What actions or decisions would be inherently right or wrong according to this framework?
Discuss potential criticisms or limitations of applying a duty ethics perspective to your chosen controversy. Research required. (1 ½ pages)
Recommendations
Recommend a course of action based on research.
How can businesses incorporate duty ethics into their decision-making processes to avoid similar controversies in the future? Research required. (1 page)
Research Requirements: A minimum of three sources are required with two from Trident Library’s full-text databases (Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, and/or Proquest Central).
Full Answer Section
- Healthcare Providers: Organizations responsible for collecting and using patient data.
- Technology Companies: Companies that develop and implement EHR systems.
- Government Agencies: Regulatory bodies that oversee data privacy and security.
Duty Ethics: A Kantian Perspective
Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics emphasizes duty-based morality, arguing that actions are morally right or wrong based on their inherent nature, regardless of their consequences. The categorical imperative, a central concept in Kantian ethics, suggests that individuals should act in a way that they would want everyone to act in similar circumstances.
In the context of data privacy, a duty-based approach would prioritize the inherent value of human dignity and the right to privacy. This perspective would emphasize the following duties:
- Duty to Protect Privacy: Healthcare providers and technology companies have a duty to protect patient privacy by implementing robust security measures.
- Duty to Transparency: Organizations should be transparent about their data practices and obtain informed consent from patients.
- Duty to Minimize Harm: Data should be used responsibly and ethically, avoiding any harm to individuals or society.
Analyzing the Controversy from a Duty Ethics Perspective
A duty-based perspective on data privacy in healthcare would suggest that the collection and use of patient data should be strictly limited to what is necessary for providing care. Any sharing of data should be done with the explicit consent of the patient and with appropriate safeguards in place.
However, a potential limitation of a purely duty-based approach is that it may not adequately consider the potential benefits of data sharing, such as improving patient outcomes through research and innovation. A more nuanced approach may be required to balance the competing interests of individual privacy and public health.
Recommendations
To address data privacy concerns and promote ethical data practices, organizations should:
- Implement Strong Security Measures: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data from breaches and unauthorized access.
- Obtain Informed Consent: Clearly communicate data practices to patients and obtain informed consent for the collection and use of their data.
- Limit Data Sharing: Share patient data only when necessary and with appropriate safeguards in place.
- Regularly Review and Update Privacy Policies: Stay up-to-date with evolving data privacy regulations and adjust policies accordingly.
- Promote a Culture of Privacy: Foster a culture of privacy within the organization, where employees are aware of their responsibilities and are trained to handle patient data ethically.
By adopting a duty-based approach and implementing these recommendations, healthcare organizations can protect patient privacy, build trust, and ensure the ethical use of data.