Chapter 9
The Relationship Lens
The third ethical lens is the Relationship lens. Here we look at the decision-maker’s rights
and responsibilities. We look to see who their decisions as an individual meets and fits
with the community. According to Baird in this lens we as the questions:
How do I fit into my community?
How do I care for those with no power?
What is my place in the web of life?
According to Rawls’ we need to think beyond ourselves and consider the less advantages
in a community when making decisions. This lens focuses on equality; it assures that
people without access to power have an equal opportunity to thrive. This lens calls
individuals to balance between individual achievement and community well-being.
Questions for determining right action:
•Process: – consider all stakeholders in decision making, insure all are heard
•Healthy institutions: decision must support the healthy community
•Support of the organization – decision must consider the organization’s goals,
responsibilities, and values and how to achieve them
•Enhancement of relationships – the decision must enhance the relationship of
organization and the community
Values that take priority in this lens:
•Fair Treatment – people need to treat fairly, there should not be favoritism. Similar
people should be treated similarly, if they differ, than the treatment should related
to the job, should be treated differently in proportion to the difference
