Individuals can today make decisions that have an impact on their families, employers, coworkers and the world at large. Life reflects our character. If we decide to use personal ethics. Personal ethics are unique to each individual, but people generally want to be seen as trustworthy, good people. Deontology aligns most closely with my ethical decision-making. After studying these principles, it is clear that I used to say, “It was the principle behind the thing.” I now agree with the fact that critical thinking allows a leader to make the best ethical decisions. The following characteristics would help me arrive at the best ethical decisions.

Moral values or concepts that guide my decisions are called ethical theories. Utilitarianism is my opinion the two most dominant ethical theories in society. Utilitarianism “justifies morality by examining the consequences of a particular action”. At the end of the day, we want our happiness and that of those I love. Deontology holds that the motivation behind an act is the most important. In determining whether a decision is worth it, the ethical theories are applied to the outcomes. The basis for making logical, ethical decisions is also provided. There are many instances where an individual’s rights can be compromised by unethical or unmoral behavior, such as sexual harassment at work. Individuals must be able to recognize when they should use ethics in their decision-making to prevent similar situations. In order to achieve this kind of mindset, it is important that the public be educated about different ethical ideologies. It also helps to understand how to deal with situations in a way that is ethical. The public will be more aware of ethical theories, and know how to avoid unethical scenarios. This will lead to a decrease in sexual harassment at work.

These ethical theories were created to deal social norms and values. Deontology, like utilitarianism, is a guideline for ethical decision-making. Both ethical theories aim to establish the right or wrong value of an action based on their ideal society. The ethical theories were developed so that individuals could make moral decisions using ethical reasoning. Utilitarianism or Deontology will guide people in their actions and decisions. This is true but the theories don’t tell people what to say or do. They only give them an idea of how to perceive the situation.

Deontology has been my most trusted theory to guide me in making ethical decisions. To me, an “act must be greater than a consequence”(Geuras & Garofalo 2011, p. 1). According to Deontology theory, a key aspect is consistency in making decisions. This is because it “determines that humans are the end rather than the means.” If I was treated horribly by someone at my workplace for years, would you still treat them badly? What if I become the person’s employer? Should I punish him or her for his/her behavior, or treat him/her well, based on what they contribute to the business? Although it can be difficult to do, treating people with kindness is important.

As I said earlier, individuals can be confronted by unethical situations in the society. Women are often harassed in the workplace and lose trust. The female victim is degraded through sexist comments and unwanted sexual advances. Deontologically, sexual harassing is unethical as women are treated like objects and not people. The women who have been harassed are entitled to make their own decisions about how to achieve their goals, without being influenced by other people. Sexual harassment prevents women from being autonomous and free. They are instead treated like objects. Sexual harassment is a barrier to women’s equality, freedom and respect in the workplace as well as in society.

Utilitarians argue that sexual harassment violates ethics because the goals of the act do not justify their means. The harassment of women does not maximise the happiness and goodwill in the community. Sexual harassment of females can be not only traumatic but also have long-lasting effects. These emotional and economic effects include depression, anxiety, and the loss or reduction of income. Sexual harassment can have lasting effects that last for weeks or even years. Sexual harassment has no ethical value because it is not based on the reasons or consequences of the unwanted sexual advances. In fact, it harms the community, which is against a fundamental utilitarian value.

Sexual harassment is unethical to me because it causes women’s feelings of inferiority and unwanted sexual situations. Sexual harassment involves women being blackmailed with unwanted advances to gain or keep a job. This is unethical because women do not see themselves as individuals, but are treated like objects. Women lose the right to respect and consent behavior because they are no longer seen as individuals. Sexual harassment, I believe, is immoral as it has no benefits or advantages to the individual. Sexual harassment can cause trauma and have lasting effects. The lack of morals and ethics education is why I think situations such as sexual harassment still exist today. I believe that sexual harassment of women could be reduced if the general public knew why certain situations were unethical.

I have a mix of views that are a Deontological and an Utilitarian. Deontology supports the idea that people should always be treated with respect and equality. Women are entitled to respect and freedom. They should be able to pursue their goals. Women have the right to be respected and to pursue their goals without being subjected to sexual harassment. When people are treated as mere means, they lose their identity and rights. I support the utilitarian view, which holds that we are morally responsible to minimize harm and maximize good in the community. Sexual harassment has a negative impact on the community, causing pain and harm. It is therefore unethical to sexually harass others if it doesn’t bring everyone happiness.

The development of ethics is a result of people reflecting on their intentions and the consequences that come from their actions. As a result, theories of morality have evolved, providing a framework for many ethical ideas. The ethical backgrounds of each individual are different. These backgrounds can be attributed to their parents, teachers, tutors, religion, personal beliefs or even by themselves. Our beliefs and behavior patterns are largely shaped by our childhood experiences and observations. My ethics are a result of what I have learned from my parents and religious background. They also come from my personal and professional experiences and observations. It is a result of knowing what’s basically right and bad, what’s acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and most importantly from being proud of my work and achievements.

Sources

Geuras, D., & Garofalo, C. (2011). Practical ethics for public administration. Vienna, VA: Management Concepts.