1. Analyze the following ethical dilemma from the perspective of rationality and respect
(Dilemma Tucker & Marcuson, 1998). A local nonprofit organization that networks
with other service agencies in the area was designed to fill gaps in needed services for
families. This agency has been in existence for several years and has gained the respect
of the community. The staff of this agency can serve families who have a need that cannot
be served in any other way through connecting these families with community volunteers
who adopt them.
The volunteer director of the agency works on a volunteer basis and contributes
numerous hours each week to fulfill responsibilities associated with this position. To
reduce her workload, the director of the agency applied to seven different foundations
to request money for a part-time administrative assistant. The agency requested
$10,000 from each of the foundations, with the hope that they would receive assistance
from one of them. To the surprise of the director, three of the foundations accepted
their proposal and awarded the agency with $10,000 for the salary of the part-time employee.
The agency ended up with $30,000, which was three times as much as was
172 PA RT T W O / Traditions and Tools for Ethical Leadership
Ethical Leadership in Human Services: A Multi-Dimensional Approach, by Susan Schissler Manning. Published by Allyn and Bacon. Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc.
ISBN: 0-536-12115-X
needed for the salary. The granting foundations had different requirements for reporting
on the use of the money. However, at least two of the foundations asked that
the money be used in the manner for which it was requested.
■ What are the known facts?
■ What facts are missing that need to be obtained?
■ Who are the potential stakeholders? (for example, agency, clients, public/community,
or grantors?)
■ What are the potential outcomes, both good and harm, for all stakeholders?
■ Who would you seek out for input, advice, and consultation?
■ What does your conscience say to you about this dilemma?
■ What are the values and perspectives of those who could be affected by your decision?
■ What ethical principles apply? What do they require in this situation?
■ How do the ethical theories—the means or duty versus the ends or greatest good—
apply to this situation? How would you link the two?
What would be your decision?
2. In order to take action, what political, natural, and social forces need to be considered?
3. What is your civic obligation for the good of the organization and the good of the
community?
C H A P T E R 7 / Traditions and Tools to Develop Ethical Wisdom and Action 173
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decribe current regulations or standards? what kind of impact does these regulations have on the issue
To analyze the ethical dilemma presented in the scenario from the perspective of rationality and respect, we need to consider the following steps:
1. Known facts:
- A local nonprofit organization aims to fill gaps in needed services for families.
- The agency relies on community volunteers to assist families with unmet needs.
- The volunteer director of the agency applied to seven different foundations for funding a part-time administrative assistant.
- Three of the foundations accepted the proposal and awarded the agency with $30,000, three times the amount needed for the salary.
2. Missing facts:
- The specific requirements and expectations of each foundation for reporting on the use of the money.
- The potential consequences of not using the excess funds as intended.
3. Potential stakeholders:
- The agency and its staff.
- The families and clients who rely on the agency's services.
- The foundations that provided the funding.
- The broader public and community.
4. Potential outcomes for stakeholders:
- Good outcomes: The agency can hire a part-time administrative assistant, reducing the workload of the volunteer director. The families and clients can receive improved services.
- Harmful outcomes: Misusing the excess funds could harm the agency's reputation, trust within the community, and relationship with the granting foundations.
5. Seeking input, advice, and consultation:
- Consultation with staff members, board members, and volunteers within the agency.
- Seeking guidance from legal experts familiar with nonprofit regulations and grant requirements.
- Engaging representatives from the granting foundations to understand their expectations.
6. Conscience:
- Reflect on personal values and moral principles to evaluate how the situation aligns with one's own ethical beliefs.
7. Values and perspectives of stakeholders:
- Identify the potential perspectives and values of each stakeholder group, such as the agency staff, families, granting foundations, and the community.
8. Ethical principles:
- Consider relevant ethical principles, such as honesty, transparency, integrity, responsibility, and respecting contractual agreements.
9. Ethical theories:
- Assess the situation from both a means or duty perspective (focusing on fulfilling obligations to foundations) and an ends or greatest good perspective (focusing on benefiting the agency, families, and community).
10. Decision:
Based on the analysis, a decision should be made that balances the agency's needs, the community's expectations, and the obligations to the granting foundations. This decision should consider the best interests of all stakeholders involved.
To take action, the following political, natural, and social forces need to be considered:
- Political forces: Complying with legal requirements and regulations related to nonprofit organizations and grant funding.
- Natural forces: Consider any external factors that may impact the organization's ability to utilize the excess funds effectively, such as changes in the socio-economic climate or unforeseen events.
- Social forces: The agency's reputation within the community and maintaining trust with the granting foundations should be considered when making decisions.
Regarding civic obligation for the good of the organization and community, it is essential to act in a manner that upholds the mission and values of the nonprofit organization, ensuring that the actions taken benefit both the organization and the broader community. The decision-making process should prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders involved.