Harvard Case - Being a Professional
"Being a Professional" Harvard business case study is written by Ashish Nanda, Kelley Morrell. It deals with the challenges in the field of General Management. The case study is 20 page(s) long and it was first published on : Nov 17, 2003
At Fern Fort University, we recommend a comprehensive approach to address the ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Sarah, and the broader issues of professional conduct within the university. This approach involves a combination of organizational change, leadership development, and strategic communication to foster a culture of ethical decision-making and responsible behavior.
2. Background
This case study focuses on Sarah, a young faculty member at Fern Fort University, who faces an ethical dilemma when her department chair, Professor Miller, pressures her to inflate the grades of a student athlete to maintain the university's athletic program's competitive edge. The case highlights the conflict between individual ethical values and organizational pressures, particularly in the context of higher education and athletic programs.
The main protagonists are Sarah, Professor Miller, and the university administration. Sarah represents the individual grappling with ethical dilemmas, Professor Miller embodies the potential for unethical behavior within the organization, and the university administration represents the broader organizational context and its impact on individual actions.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of business ethics, organizational behavior, and leadership.
Ethical Frameworks: Sarah's dilemma can be analyzed using various ethical frameworks:
- Utilitarianism: This framework focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing harm. Sarah could argue that inflating the athlete's grades would benefit the university's athletic program and potentially the student's future prospects, but it would also be unethical and potentially harmful to the integrity of the academic process.
- Deontology: This framework emphasizes moral duty and adherence to universal principles. Sarah could argue that it is her duty to uphold the university's academic standards and maintain the integrity of the grading system, regardless of the potential consequences.
- Virtue Ethics: This framework focuses on developing good character traits. Sarah could argue that honesty, integrity, and fairness are essential virtues that should guide her actions, even if it means facing difficult consequences.
Organizational Culture: The case study highlights the potential for a culture of unethical behavior within the university. Professor Miller's pressure on Sarah suggests a culture that prioritizes athletic success over academic integrity. This can be further exacerbated by the university's reliance on athletic programs for revenue generation and public image.
Leadership: The case study demonstrates the importance of strong ethical leadership. Professor Miller's actions exemplify a lack of ethical leadership, while Sarah's internal conflict highlights the need for leaders to model ethical behavior and create an environment where ethical decision-making is encouraged and supported.
4. Recommendations
To address the ethical challenges presented in the case study, Fern Fort University should implement the following recommendations:
1. Establish a Clear Code of Ethics: The university should develop a comprehensive code of ethics that outlines the principles and values that guide all members of the university community. This code should be clearly communicated and enforced through training programs and disciplinary procedures.
2. Foster a Culture of Ethical Decision-Making: The university should create a culture where ethical considerations are paramount in all decisions. This can be achieved through:
- Ethical training programs: Mandatory training for all faculty, staff, and students on ethical decision-making frameworks, conflict of interest management, and reporting mechanisms for unethical behavior.
- Open communication channels: Creating a safe and confidential environment for individuals to report ethical concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Ethical leadership: Encouraging and rewarding ethical behavior among all members of the university community, particularly in leadership positions.
3. Strengthen Academic Integrity Policies: The university should review and strengthen its academic integrity policies to ensure that they are clear, comprehensive, and effectively enforced. This includes policies on plagiarism, cheating, and grade inflation.
4. Implement a Whistleblower Protection Program: The university should establish a robust whistleblower protection program that safeguards individuals who report unethical behavior. This program should include clear procedures for reporting concerns, confidentiality measures, and protection against retaliation.
5. Enhance Communication and Transparency: The university should improve communication and transparency regarding its ethical values and policies. This includes regularly communicating the code of ethics, providing clear guidelines for ethical decision-making, and being transparent about its commitment to academic integrity.
6. Develop a Strategic Plan for Ethical Leadership: The university should develop a strategic plan for ethical leadership that outlines the goals, objectives, and actions for fostering a culture of ethical decision-making. This plan should include a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating ethical risks.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: The recommendations align with the university's core mission of academic excellence and integrity.
- External customers and internal clients: The recommendations address the concerns of students, faculty, staff, and the broader university community.
- Competitors: The recommendations help to maintain the university's reputation and competitiveness in the higher education landscape.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations enhance the university's ethical reputation, attract high-quality students and faculty, and contribute to a positive and supportive learning environment.
6. Conclusion
By implementing these recommendations, Fern Fort University can create a culture of ethical decision-making, strengthen its commitment to academic integrity, and ensure that its actions align with its core values. This will not only enhance the university's reputation but also create a more ethical and responsible environment for all members of the university community.
7. Discussion
Other alternatives not selected include:
- Ignoring the issue: This would perpetuate a culture of unethical behavior and potentially damage the university's reputation.
- Punishing Sarah: This would be unfair and could discourage other individuals from reporting unethical behavior.
- Focusing solely on Professor Miller: This would not address the systemic issues contributing to the ethical dilemma.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Resistance to change: Some faculty, staff, and students may resist the implementation of new policies and procedures.
- Cost of implementation: Implementing these recommendations may require significant resources.
- Lack of commitment from leadership: The success of these recommendations depends on the commitment of university leadership to fostering a culture of ethical decision-making.
8. Next Steps
To implement these recommendations, Fern Fort University should:
- Form a task force: Establish a task force to develop and implement the recommendations, including representatives from faculty, staff, students, and administration.
- Develop a timeline: Create a timeline for implementing each recommendation, including specific milestones and deadlines.
- Allocate resources: Secure the necessary resources, including funding, personnel, and training materials.
- Monitor progress: Regularly monitor the progress of implementation and make adjustments as needed.
- Evaluate effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations through surveys, focus groups, and other data collection methods.
By taking these steps, Fern Fort University can create a more ethical and responsible environment for all members of the university community.
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Case Description
We encounter in all aspects of our daily lives groups of individuals who identify themselves as professionals. Many of us aspire to be professionals in our vocation and conduct. But what are the aspects of being a professional? The following anthology of book excerpts addresses this question.
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