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Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
Case Study 2.1
Character Development at West Point
Synopsis and Analysis
Character development is central to the mission of the United States Military Academy at West
Point. West Point uses a variety of direct methods to build character both inside and outside the
classroom, such as ethics courses, values training, participation in sports, and placing cadets into
leadership roles. The Academy’s Honor Code calls upon cadets to not only refrain from cheating
but also to turn in others who cheat.
West Point’s efforts to foster character provide readers with an opportunity to consider character
development at their colleges and universities and to evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of
character building strategies.
Learning Objectives
*Students will determine the importance of character development in higher
education.
*Students will evaluate the character development efforts of the Military Academy at
West Point.
*Students will evaluate the character development efforts of their colleges and
universities and suggest improvements.
Discussion Guide
Character development does not appear to a major emphasis of most major universities. The first
two questions challenge students to consider whether or not virtue should serve as an important
outcome of a college education. Some features of the West Point character program—
participation in athletics, the non-toleration clause—may prove controversial. Be sure to provide
adequate time to discuss these elements and whether or not these components could be employed
at your college or university.
Case Study 2.2
Superheroes in the Elementary Classroom
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Elementary teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut risked their
lives to save their students when a shooter broke in on December 14, 2012. Six adults and 20
children died in the attack but the death toll would have been much higher without the heroic
actions of staff members. The educators who died received the Presidential Citizens Medal.
Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
The Sandy Hook teachers provide a vivid demonstration of courage and compassion in action.
Ordinary people, without special training, put their lives on the line in the midst of crisis.
Learning Objectives
*Students will identify character traits demonstrated by the Sandy Hook staff.
*Students will determine how to prepare to respond ethically in crisis situations.
*Students will draw insights from the case that they can apply to their own
character development.
Discussion Guide
Case Study 2.3
A Different Kind of Pope
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Pope Francis has endeared himself to millions both inside and outside the Catholic Church,
largely because of his character traits. He rejects many of the trappings of the Papacy, living
humbly and reaching out to the disenfranchised. Some call him the “Cold-Call Pope” due to his
habit of spontaneously calling people who write him about their problems. Whether Pope
Francis will have a lasting impact on entrenched bureaucracy of the Vatican remains to be seen.
The case demonstrates the power of moral character and moral identity. People are attracted to
Francis because of his humility, compassion and strong moral identity. However, the case leaves
open the question of whether the Pope’s leadership approach can survive the test of time.
Learning Objectives
*Students will identify the virtues of Pope Francis.
Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
*Students will identify the advantages and disadvantages of the Pope’s leadership
style.
Discussion Guide
