Abstract This paper discusses different ethical issues facing the professional psychologist or therapist. The paper examines the therapist's level of competence and integrity, providing examples to illustrate the issue. Respect for people's rights and dignity, concern for others' welfare, professional and scientific responsibility, and social responsibility are issues covered in the paper.
From the Paper "Competence is an important factor in following general principles which govern professional behavior. A modern perspective of ethics and competence in the psychological and therapy-oriented field is drawn towards an ocular from which, "The conclusion is that facts cannot dictate moral principles or social policies but they can help illuminate their consequences. Policy decisions become the responsibility of a democratic society" (Kendler, 2002, p. 489). The implications of competence in this milieu also have relevance in the assessment procedures that are used to measure both therapists and patients. One must ask the vital question of these assessments: "Is it meant to differentiate between competency and incompetency in demented patients, in the broader group of patient with cognitive impairment, or in elderly volunteers? If the test aims to assess competency in dementia, test-retest analysis should include only data on demented patients, because fluctuations in functioning in this group are more common."
Abstract This comprehensive paper examines the effects of steroids on baseball. It looks at the problems that major league baseball has had, states the effects of steroids, shows the changes in the numbers of the games, and finds major fault with major league baseball's testing policy in contrast with Olympic testing. Furthermore, the paper gives evidence of student athletes who have died because of the steroid 'nandrolone decanoate' and presents evidence to support the theory that rich players, such as Barry Bonds, will never be caught because the current policy does not take into account masking agents.
From the Paper "Major League Baseball is testing. However, its testing like much of the legal system in the United States of America is both arbitrary and capricious. The current policy hones in on the poor steroid users if you will. It catches the young players who are trying to make it to the big leagues, the ones who do not have the money to afford expensive creams. The prime examples of this are the numerous players from the Seattle Mariners farm system who got caught using steroids. Are these minor leaguers, these men who are not chasing any records but whom are trying to make it to the big show, are these the only players in all of Baseball using steroids? Probably not, but at thirty thousand dollars a year its pretty hard to buy those expensive creams that can not be detected."
Abstract This paper contends that one of the central problem areas in nursing is dealing with family presence in medical and procedural situations. This area is particularly problematic when the procedures involve critical and terminal health care issues. Various perspectives and studies state that the presence of family members at procedures can be both advantageous and disadvantageous in terms of medical and health care. The situation may also be compounded by ethical and moral considerations in the case of critical, terminal health care situations, such as resuscitation, where the family may feel that they have a moral right to be present during any procedures. This paper provides a critical overview of the development of these different views through a synthesis of the wide range of literature on the subject. The paper provides a clear exposition of the problematics of the issue of family presence, as well as an overview of the possible solutions to this often controversial issue.
From the Paper "The history of hospital policy towards family presence has been generally to prevent or to frown upon the presence of family members at critical procedures. However, this view has been reassessed in recent years and there is nowadays a strong trend towards the inclusion of family members in some procedures. Many researchers and nursing professionals see the presence of family members as a positive factor in the healing and health care process. However, there are many other studies which refer to the negative aspects of family presence. These studies point out that the nurse is often placed in a situation, when there is no specified policy, which requires delicate decision making. The nurse may find that he or she has to decide between the desires and demands of family members and medical and ethical requirements."
Abstract This paper presents a commodity chain analysis by tracing the production, distribution, and consumption of an "Abercrombie & Fitch" t-shirt. The paper examines the apparel, textile, and footwear industries from a local and global point of view, with a focus on the work force of these manufacturing industries.
From the Paper "In general, the apparel industry is perhaps the most global of all manufacturing industries. The apparel, textile and footwear industries employ the largest workforce of any manufacturing industry in the world. At the very bottom of the chain are the garment workers, where all of the clothing production commences. Many of the workers are young women and teenagers who work in garment sweatshops producing for American retailers. About 80 percent of apparel workers producing clothing for U.S. retailers are working under conditions that violate local and international labor law. In the state of California alone there are over 140,000 garment workers who are mostly women, Latina and Asian immigrants that work 10-12 hour days, poverty wages, no paid overtime, physical, verbal and sexual abuse, dangerous and unsanitary working conditions, and suppression of the right to organize unions to change these conditions."
Abstract This paper discusses what motivates Western companies to outsource and includes the effects it has on the American job market. The paper also makes the rather bold claim that, while outsourcing has denied jobs to experienced workers in the United States, much evidence proves the practice indirectly produces more jobs at home. The paper contends that the willingness of overseas workers to accept significantly lower wages challenges local companies to consider the extent of their obligation to employees.
From the Paper "In a significant report by Gartner, Inc., the leading provider of research and analysis on the global Information Technology industry, one out of every ten jobs in American software industry by the end of 2004 will completely move to low-cost emerging markets like India, China and Russia since United States companies have moved to cut costs. In recent years companies have acknowledged off shoring as a viable, long-term, cost-effective means to staying competitive in the global market. In the article, "More tech jobs going overseas. Trend is hurting U.S. programmers," the consulting firm Cap Gemini Ernst & Young reports, "an average computer programmer in India costs $20 per hour in wages and benefits, while an American with a comparable degree and experience costs $65 per hour." In an article by Amit Asaravala, titled, "Biz Panel Touts 'Offshoring,'" the Forrester Research Group, an independent technology research company that provides advice about technology's impact on business, reports that by 2015, "$136 billion in wages will shift to overseas workers" who are willing to accept far lower salaries than U.S. workers. The willingness of overseas workers to accept significantly lower wages challenges companies to consider what extent their obligation is to employees."
Abstract This paper discuss marijuana, crack/cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, nicotine. and caffeine to provide a framework for the author's argument that the legalization of drugs can in no way be deemed ethical or moral. The author points out that caffeine is an amphetamine, but it doesn't stand out because it is legal; although the effects of overuse don't seem to be as serious as those of other "harder" drugs, caffeine can be a dangerous drug. The paper concludes that the only argument that can be used to justify the legalization of drugs is ethical formalism; therefore, with only one available argumentative system to justify drug legalization as a moral act, the author believes that the conclusion to reject the legalization is correct.
From the Paper "What is a drug? A drug, as defined by "Webster's Dictionary" is: (1) a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of a medication, (2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, (3) a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body, (4) a substance that causes addiction or habituation. The fact that the definition of drugs has so many components may be the cause of why society cannot come up with an agreement about whether or not drugs should be legalized. The definition contains the medical use of drugs which in the majority of cases are pharmacological drugs that have been recognized by doctors and pharmacists and it also contains the negative side of drugs which is the fact that drugs can cause addiction or habituation and can affect the body and mind. All drugs affect the body and mind. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and the drugs that we sometimes fail to recognize as drugs because they are so common."
Abstract This paper explains that ethics are generally based on the field or situation in which a person is involved; morals are personal rules of behavior, which may or may not be relative to the situation, and are based on individually embraced value systems as opposed to overarching cultural or professional norms. The author points out that subjects in medical research should not be lied to, confidentiality is required where offered, long-term harm should be avoided and all research should both be scientifically valid, performed by qualified researchers and within facilities capable of caring for patients. The paper stresses that, only when morality and ethics align can a legitimate code of ethics be created; where moral issues are deeply obscured, creating an ethical code can be extremely difficult as in the case of stem-cell research.
From the Paper "Of course, quoting the Nuremberg Code seems to imply that unethical human experimentation in only committed by Nazis. This is far from the truth. Both prior to the Third Reich, during its regime, and for decades subsequent to it, unsuspecting, disadvantaged, or prisoner populations in the United States were being used as guinea pigs in horrendous experimentations. Such experiments included infecting people with malaria, injecting or feeding them with radioactive materials, experimenting with psychological trauma in orphaned children, and many more such cruelties. Moreover, it appears that such unethical experiments continue to this day. For example, in a prime example of outsourcing, one Harvard University professor doing genetic research projects on environmental effects on asthma (among other things) recently went into rural china where "free check-ups" were offered to natives who were subsequently sprayed with pesticides and had blood samples taken -- all without informed consent being solicited in their own language."
Abstract This paper discusses and analyzes the topic of business ethics. Specifically,it discusses the corruption in Enron, and what it indicates about modern business ethics. The Enron scandal changed the way some people think about business ethics, and just confirmed what other people think. It looks at how the Enron scandal happened and what it says about how massive corporations do business in America and the world.
Outline
Background on Enron
Business Ethics as a Whole
What Can be Done?
From the Paper "In July 2004 the Enron Task Force, a group of agencies investigating the Enron scandal, indicted Lay. Lay will face charges of fraud and insider trading, among others, and if convicted on all counts could face up to 175 years in prison. Fastow, Causey, and Skilling are also awaiting trial, and Fastow has agreed to help the prosecution in the other three cases after he pled guilty to charges against him. Clearly, the leaders of Enron are still having difficulty with ethical issues, as they point fingers at each other and refuse to take responsibility for their actions. While they are being tried, most of them are still living lavish (or semi-lavish) lifestyles, and show how far ethical and moral behavior has lagged in the business community. "
Abstract The essay looks at the various macro and micro business ethics issues raised in the film, "Wall Street" and outlines how Western Christian theologians would rationalize these. The essay deals with topics such as greed, corruption, corporate governance, leadership, corporate codes of ethics etc. using Oliver Stone's 1987 film "Wall Street" as a study piece.
From the Paper "In Wall Street we find that Gecco has a plutocratic monopoly over the power and control of his company because he has the board "in his back pocket" . At Gecco & Co. there is a tragic lack of contestability, and Gecco, being at the pinnacle of the corporate organogram has absolute power. However from a Christian perspective, especially considering Gecco's laissez-faire ethical stance, this is hardly ideal, and if we look briefly to the Christian scripture on leadership qualities we find from the Christian perspective, Gecco is certainly not the right man for the job -"the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to much wine, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money."."
Abstract Since the ban on creating new embryonic stem cells in the United States went into effect, researchers in stem cell technology have been forced to limit their research to the existing lines of stem cells or to the less flexible adult stem cells. This paper examines moral and ethical issues which are connected to stem cell research.
Paper Outline:
What are Stem Cells?
Current US Policy on Stem Cell Research
Moral and Ethical Issues
Advice for Government
Works Cited
From the Paper "Critics of the Bush government's policy against cutting federal funding for new stem cell lines point out that the United States is falling behind in stem cell research (Devitt 2003). This means that European countries could be the first to develop, market and therefore benefit from cures for several illnesses. Given the potential of stem cells for curing a host of diseases, this could also mean that the United States could lose its dominance in medical research."
Abstract The ethical theory of 'act utilitarianism' regards the solution to moral problems in terms of a calculus or algorithm that will, when given the relevant input, be able to provide the 'morally right' output. This paper describes the role that the ethical theory of act-utilitarianism plays in Woody Allen's movie, "Crimes and Misdemeanors". The paper argues that act-utilitarianism is shown to be a faulty ethical theory according to the movie.
From the Paper "Even assuming that happiness were something that was objective and easily measured, it could still be possible for two people to have differences of opinion in deciding which morally correct course of action to take. While Judah may have seen the murder of Delores as being the course of action that not only preserved his happiness and the happiness of his family and all of those around him, were Delores to be consulted, she would have most likely come up with a different conclusion. Assuming that she was using act utilitarianism to come to her decision as well, Delores probably would have argued that Judah leaving his wife would have led to more happiness in the long run that the ending of her own life."
Abstract Ethical leadership must be effective, efficient and excellent. To achieve these traits, a leader should develop a shared purpose, knowledge, authority and trust in others. This paper explains how good ethics can be applied to school leadership positions. It examines moral codes and state ethic codes, amongst others.
From the Paper "An ethical leader establishes high standards and expectations for all employees and students, and models appropriate conduct at all times. They respect individuals and recognize their own strengths and weaknesses. They will demonstrate truth and honor in all their dealings and seek to do no harm to students and staff. An ethical leader will also uphold federal and state standards and guidelines, seeking to promote the welfare of their school. They will always conduct themselves in a mature and professional manner whether in school or outside of it, and they will promote a common vision with a diverse faculty."
Abstract There is no profession more profoundly impacted by the effects of ethical standards that the accounting profession. This paper examines how the effects of ethical and unethical behavior on independence and daily functioning are implicit in everything an individual in the accounting profession does. It also looks at how, due to recent scandals, there is a need for attention to ethical standards and training within the field of accounting.
Outline
Introduction
Analysis of Ethics in Accounting
Conclusions/Analysis
From the Paper "Accountants in particular face many ethical dilemmas during the course of their career, and example of which is the client who threatens to seek a new auditor unless offered 'perks.' Accountants and other professionals within the accounting field are often in a position that allows a great deal of autonomy and independence, which also opens the door for increased temptation and the potential for unethical behavior. Accountants may act unethically for a variety of reasons, though as the text suggests many do so for personal benefit only or selfish reasons, which by nature is a product of natural human tendencies. "
This paper examines the phenomena of outsourcing from an employee and corporate perspective in an attempt to gain insight into the pros and cons of the outsourcing issue.
Abstract The writer proposes that outsourcing is morally and ethically an objectionable practice, that results in little benefit to the company and much harm to the employees it affects. A formal review of the literature available with regard to outsourcing is analyzed, and the case against outsourcing is made. The paper shows how outsourcing impacts workers in a negative manner, goes against the moral and ethical standards inherent in business and proves that outsourcing will ultimately result in dissatisfaction for corporations in the long term.
Abstract
Introduction
Effects of Outsourcing
Right/Duties/Moral Obligations of Corporations
Conclusions
From the Paper "From a moral and ethical standpoint, outsourcing is wrong and has negative consequences on both employees and the productivity and efficiency of corporations in the long term. From a practical standpoint, corporations that rush to outsource job functions realize few returns on their investment and few profit savings in the long term. The rush to outsource has left companies with little value and no tangible increases in productivity or delivery."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the ethics codes of the American Counseling Association (ACA) 2005 Draft Code of Ethics, the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Code of Ethics-Y2004 Final Code, and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) Code of Ethics. The paper looks at responsibilities that the counseling associations share, as well as the responsibilities that are unique to each association.
From the Paper "The first level of comparison between the three ethics codes begins with finding the similarities and differences they display in their duties to clients. There exist several similarities in this regard between them. In terms of obtaining informed consent, the ACA codes of ethics states (A2. a) that clients can choose to either continue or terminate treatment at any time. This would be after the counselor discharges his/her duty in informing the client exactly how the counseling would occur, what the counselor's credentials were, and what rights and responsibilities were enjoined upon both the counselor and client. "
