Dilemma
You are employed by a local planning authority to advise on the routing of a new freeway. Two alternative routes have already been proposed and your task is to evaluate them and recommend one route. Both have advantages and disadvantages from environmental, social and economic perspectives. On balance, however, you believe that Route A has slightly more benefits than Route B, though you concede it is extremely difficult to determine these accurately.
As you are drafting the report containing your recommendations, you realize to your horror that Route A will result in the demolition of your grandparents’ house. In the event that the freeway is built on this route, the government will compensate residents’ affected by any losses incurred, but you know that your grandfather will be deeply shocked by the loss of the house. He has a weak heart and may well not survive the news.
As you consider the implications of this decision, you reflect that the difference between Route A and Route B is minimal and you could with some justification present Route B as the more favorable option. What do you do?
Stakeholders
I have my professional credit and respect at stake.
Planning Authority has its reputation and contract at stake.
My colleagues in Planning Authority have their own professional reputation at stake.
Local citizens who pay tax to build this freeway and will use it in the future have their privilege at stake.
Government has its budget & trust & plan at stake.
My grandparents have their house at stake.
Other citizens who live in both routes have their houses at stake.
My Obligation to …
Myself? Is trying to choose the best route regarding to professional and moral rules.
Planning Authority? Is to evaluate and recommend a route just based on professional principles, to be honest as an employee and to do my job as accurate as possible.
My colleagues? Is to protect their corporational and professional identity and reputation.
Local citizens? Is to choose a route which is the best for them regarding to financial matters, City planning, Traffic & etc.
Government? Is to do recommend the most appropriate route and to be a true consultant.
My grandparents? Is to care about them and their emotions and possessions. To be a good person and citizen as their grand daughter.
Other citizens who live in both routes? Is to choose a route impartially.
Values at stake
Professional trust
Vocational credibility
Family relations
Citizenship principles
Ethical Principles
Be honest with your employer.
Do your job just based on professional regulations and codes of ethics.
Never let your personal benefits to interfere a professional judgment.
Protect your family and do your best for them.
Be a true citizen.
Approaches
Ends-Based:
I do not want to kill my grandpa. I choose route B.
I do not want to ruin my reputation. I choose route A.
Rules-Based:
I do what is the best for my family.
I do what is the best for this city and its citizens.
Care-Based:
I want to protect my employee and other citizens.
I want to protect my grandparents.
Tests
Colleague Test
If they find out that I chose my grandpa over my professional obligations, they will judge me as dishonest, inept and untrustworthy.
Mother Test
My mother will be very upset if something happen to my grandpa and I would be somehow responsible for his death. She may tell me to choose grandpa’s house.
•Which route will you choose ? and why ?
