The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, based at Santa Clara University, deals with ethical decision making as it applies to real-world problems. The work of the center encompasses all fields, including biology, technology, and business. On October 20 we were pleased to welcome Ann Skeet, Senior Director of Leadership Ethics at the Markkula Center to speak about “Making Ethical Decisions—A Framework for Leaders.” Ann explained that although people often perceive ethical discussions in terms of being judged (what am I doing wrong?), a focus on ethics actually promotes conditions in which human beings can flourish.
Ann outlined the various lenses through which ethical decision-making can be approached: Utilitarianism (what causes the least harm and the greatest benefit), rights (which are sometimes conflicting), fairness and justice in the outcomes, the common good, virtues (do my actions represent my values) and care (what implications does this decision have on relationships, and emotional health of self and others). She emphasized that ethical behavior is something that needs to be practiced over and over again, like yoga. What is legal can be considered a minimal starting point, but an integrated ethical vision will go beyond the law and have a positive impact on the individual, the organization, and the entire industry or sector.
An excerpt from Ann’s talk can be found here. To learn more about the work of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, and to sign up for their webinars on current topics, see their website.
