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Michelle works as an engineer at a software firm and often checks her personal e-mail while at work. Due to the long hours she puts in at the office, she does not have any time to check her e-mail at home and hence, feels that her actions are acceptable. Michelle's behavior relates to which of the following levels of her ethical structure?

innermost
outermost
inside
middle

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Michelle's checking of personal email at work is related to the innermost layer of her ethical structure, balancing personal care with professional duties under business ethics and the ethics of care. This reflects a personal interpretation of ethical norms considering her unique work situation and commitment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Michelle's behavior of checking her personal email at work, due to her long hours and lack of opportunity to do so at home, relates to the innermost layer of her ethical structure. Considering business ethics and professional codes, such as the IEEE-CS Software Engineering Code of Ethics, employees are expected to follow the ethical guidelines set by their profession, which would address appropriate use of company resources.

However, the ethics of care suggests a more contextual approach to ethics, emphasizing the importance of relationships and responsibility to oneself and others. In Michelle's case, she may believe that taking care of her personal responsibilities, such as checking her personal email, is acceptable given her commitment and long hours at work. This could be positioned within the innermost ethical view, wherein she balances her self-care with her professional obligations.

It's important to acknowledge the potential for role conflict, where personal and professional roles might intersect in ways that challenge expected norms, and the ethical considerations that arise from those conflicts.

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