This individual assignment requires students to analyze an ethics case based upon the Giving Voice to Values (GVV) framework.
This material is part of the Giving Voice to Values curriculum collection (www.GivingVoiceToValues.org ). The Aspen Institute was founding partner, along with the Yale School of Management, and incubator for Giving Voice to Values (GVV). Now Funded by Babson College. Do not alter or distribute without permission. © Mary C. Gentile, 2010 1 An Action Framework for Giving Voice to Values “The To-Do List” Giving Voice to Values is about learning how to act on your values effectively – not about wondering whether you could. Values Know and appeal to a short list of widely shared values: e.g., honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness and compassion. 1In other words, don’t assume too little – or too much – commonality with the viewpoints of others.Choice Believe you have a choice about voicing values by examining your own track record. Know what has enabled and disabled you in the past, so you can work with and around these factors. And recognize, respect and appeal to the capacity for choice in others.
Normality Expect values conflicts so that you approach them calmly and competently. Over-reaction can limit your choices unnecessarily.
Purpose Define your personal and professional purpose explicitly and broadly before conflicts arise. What is the impact you most want to have? Similarly, appeal to a sense of purpose in others.
Self-Knowledge, Self-Image and Alignment Generate a “self-story” about voicing and acting on your values that is consistent with who you are and that builds on your strengths. There are many ways to align your unique strengths and style with your 1Rushworth M. Kidder, Moral Courage: Taking Action When Your Values Are Put To the Test (New York: William Morrow, HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 2005), p. 47. This material is part of the Giving Voice to Values curriculum collection (www.GivingVoiceToValues.org ). The Aspen Institute was founding partner, along with the Yale School of Management, and incubator for Giving Voice to Values (GVV). Now Funded by Babson College. Do not alter or distribute without permission. © Mary C. Gentile, 2010 2 values. If you view yourself as a “pragmatist,” for example, find a way to view voicing your values as pragmatic.
Voice Practice voicing your values in front of respected peers, using the style of expression with which you are most skillful and which is most appropriate to the situation, and inviting coaching and feedback. You are more likely to say those words that you have pre-scripted for yourself and already heard yourself express.
Reasons and Rationalizations Anticipate the typical rationalizations given for ethically questionable behavior and identify counter-- arguments. These rationalizations are predictable and vulnerable to reasoned response. Last Revised: 02/28/2010