Final answer:
An example of an ethical dilemma is when an operational director hesitates to inform his staff about upcoming dismissals, representing a conflict between honesty and company policy. Other options given typically reflect policy violations or managerial duties, not ethical dilemmas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Business
An ethical dilemma occurs when an individual faces a situation where they must make a difficult choice between two or more conflicting ethical principles or values. In the context provided, the scenario where the operational director hesitates to inform his staff that dismissals are coming next month represents an example of an ethical dilemma. This situation involves the conflict between the duty of honesty to the employees and the possible need to withhold information to prevent panic or to adhere to company policies. In contrast, using a copy machine for personal papers or a corporate credit card for personal expenses typically reflects a clear violation of workplace policies rather than an ethical dilemma, and the situation of a sales manager informing an employee about performance improvement is a straightforward managerial duty.
When faced with an ethical dilemma, individuals might rely on their personal values, the ethical codes of their profession, or the policies of their organization to determine the right course of action. Ethical dilemmas often require careful consideration and balancing of the various outcomes and stakeholders involved.