Ethical Approaches Annotated Bibliography

Introduction to Behavioral Ethics


Human conduct is influenced by the techniques and principles that people adopt as a guide. Upbringing and societal ethics have largely influenced how people behave when faced with important issues (Velasquez et al., "what is ethics?" par. 5). Behavioral ethics studies how different people react when confronted with ethical quandaries. Personal decisions vary depending on personal ethical views when it comes to protecting their unique interests. Individual beliefs and ideals such as utilitarianism, the common good, and justice influence ethical judgments. Ethical standards determine how people behave which is judged depending on its molarity standard (Velasquez et al. "A Framework for Ethical Decision Making" par.4). However, in achieving individual interest, anyone is at liberty to have personal stands which can either be bad or good (McLean, par. 3). Different approaches have been discovered to determine whether a particular behavior meets the moral standards set by the Society (Velasquez et al. "A Framework for Ethical Decision Making" par. 1). These strategies are based on questions that try to find moral consequences, best alternative actions, moral right, moral equity, moral virtue and moral common good.


Varying Ethical Standards


Ethical standards for every individual vary and are not bound to one approach. Circumstances and daily activities may see a person adopt different ethical approaches to meet a particular intended goal (McLean, par.4). This, however, does not disqualify them from their moral standing which is tied deep down in their conscience. Utilitarianism is an approach that has defined the majority of the world populations due to the capitalist nature of governance. I often refer to these options to get the thing done. This compromises my moral standing because I value everyone right and would wish a just world for the common good of all its creation. On this belief, my moral standard go beyond utilitarianism to cover the right approach, fairness and justice approach, the virtue approach and the common good approach. As Velasquez et al. states, I confirm that people can differ on some contents of these ethical approaches ("A Framework for Ethical Decision Making" par.9). I do not support appreciating an end product that has caused others suffers. It's unethical to celebrate and final product from demoralizing or unethical process. Real estate is a relatively lucrative business; people venture in it for financial gains mostly. Little focus is given to making housing affordable for everyone depending on their income. In some instances, quality housing is a key consideration for real estate officers.


Moral Standing and Personal Virtue


The dilemma I face in determining the moral standing of everything I do requires alertness. Sensitivity is essential in self-assessment as a real estate agent. I aim to be sensitive to ethical standard and issues as well analytical to the moral aspect of any decision I make that may affect anyone else. It is my personal belief that fairness and justice should be a fundamental requirement in service delivery. Infringing the rights of any client or any party in the real estate profession in the course of generating income is immoral even if it meets the desired outcome. The personal virtue that I have upheld in spite of my career plays an important part in determining what I find ethical. Being patient, tolerant, compassionate, fair and with high integrity leaves no room for compromise while dealing with colleagues and clients. This virtue keeps me and others with a similar opinion morally upright (Velasquez et al. "A Framework for Ethical Decision Making" 9). For example, if you are a compassionate person, taking advantage of something for personal interest would compromise your virtue.


Challenges in Upholding Ethics in Real Estate


In a free market, the prices of housing in real estate business keeps fluctuating; in most instances these fluctuations benefit investors in real estate. Land and building have become expensive with years due to demand. The lucrative nature of these businesses attracts a different kind of people who have a different ethical standard. The probability of compromising my personal principle is always high because of pressure and influence from players in the industry. Misrepresentation and fraud are the major evils in real estate that can mimic authenticity to trick parties in a property deal. I have been confronted by circumstances colleagues have pressured me to secretly raise property prices without keeping records of the rice so that we can share the overpaid amount. Such case is very tempting especially if the money at stake can help settle some personal problems. This is where personal principles play the role of solving the dilemma of taking or not taking. I chose to forego the contemplation part, the clients would pay hiked prices unknowingly, and the property owners would get their share and would move one. This view is skewed towards utilitarianism, but it has significant ethical faults. Misrepresentation and hiking of the cost by the real estate officer are unethical to let alone illegal. According to Velasquez et al., it is unfair and unjust to the clients and the owners who are unaware of these dirty deals and may suffer as a consequence ("A Framework for Ethical Decision Making" par.9). My resolution was to abide by the approach of the common good, be fair and just to the client and the property owners and abide and obey personal and societal virtues and norms.


Importance of Ethical Decision Making


Every action that I face has a probable downside, and therefore I should be vigilant and careful in passing decision. I always have an option of a less harmful alternative action that respects the rights of all stakeholders, observe equality and serve the best interest of the entire real estate fraternity.


Works Cited


McLean, Margaret. Making Decisions about Right and Wrong. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2015, https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision- making/making-decisions-about-right-and-wrong/. Accessed 12 April 2017.


Velasquez, Manuel et al. A Framework for Ethical Decision Making. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2009, https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision- making/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/. Accessed 12 April 2017.


Velasquez, Manuel et al. what is ethics? Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2015, https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/what-is-ethics/. Accessed 12 April 2017.

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