Question

From an ethical perspective, should a boss provide a positive reference for a current employee's job application, even though he has shown poor performance in his role?

This new role has a pay increase, helping the employee support his family.

However, the employee may jeopardise the service at the new job.

Question:

Use Aristotle's virtue ethics to evaluate whether the manager should lie and provide a positive reference or tell the truth and provide a negative reference.

Steps:
i) Look to their function/goals required for the context.
ii) Articulate what "flourishing" would look like for a person in this circumstance
iii) Highlight the relevant virtues to help us determine the course of action to take
iv) Aim for the golden mean using our practical wisdom
vi) Think about how we might develop these virtues

Answer 1

Aristotle's virtue ethics can be used to evaluate whether a manager should lie and provide a positive reference or tell the truth and provide a negative reference for a current employee's job application.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aristotle's virtue ethics can be used to evaluate whether a manager should lie and provide a positive reference or tell the truth and provide a negative reference for a current employee's job application. Here are the steps to evaluate this ethical dilemma:

1. Look to their function/goals required for the context.
2. Articulate what "flourishing" would look like for a person in this circumstance.
3. Highlight the relevant virtues to help us determine the course of action to take.
4. Aim for the golden mean using our practical wisdom.
5. Think about how we might develop these virtues.

Considering these steps, it is important for the manager to prioritize honesty and integrity while providing a reference. Rather than lying or providing a positive reference for an employee who has shown poor performance, the manager should focus on providing constructive feedback and helping the employee improve their skills and performance.