Chapter Three

Ethical Dilemmas, Sources and Their Resolutions

WHAT IS AN ETHICAL DILEMMA?

An ethical dilemma is a moral situation in which a choice has to be made between two equally undesirable alternatives. Dilemmas may arise out of various sources of behaviour or attitude, as for instance, it may arise out of failure of personal character, conflict of personal values and organizational goals, organizational goals versus social values, etc. A business dilemma exists when an organizational decision maker faces a choice between two or more options that will have various impacts on (a) the organization’s profitability and competitiveness, and (b) its stakeholders. “In situations of this kind, one must act out of prudence to take a better decision. ...

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