Final answer:
In an ethical dilemma involving the manipulation of a project report, an evaluator decided to submit only a hard copy to maintain the integrity of the data, preventing the manager from making unapproved changes. This example illustrates the conflict between professional integrity and managerial direction, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in professional settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with an ethical dilemma, the resolution process often entails a complex balance of various responsibilities and moral guidelines. Let's consider the case of an evaluator who was asked by a project manager to alter a report in a way that would misrepresent data to enhance the likelihood of securing second-year funding. This scenario presents a clear ethical conflict between professional integrity and managerial pressure.
In this instance, the evaluator had two primary responsibilities: to the integrity of the evaluation process and to the directives of the new project manager. These responsibilities came into direct conflict, leading to an ethical dilemma. The evaluator chose to uphold the independence of the evaluation process by submitting only a hard copy of the report, preventing any unapproved alterations by the project manager. This decision underscored the importance of adhering to the ethical standards of honesty and accuracy in reporting, even in the face of management pressure.
Such ethical challenges are not limited to this scenario. For example, if a person knows their parent has committed theft and they are asked by law enforcement about the crime, they face a difficult decision between family loyalty and legal obligation. Navigating these types of situations requires a deep contemplation of ethical principles and the potential consequences of one's actions.