Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
Case Study 4.1
Taking Credit When Credit’s Not Due
The human resource director at a regional bank has taken credit for the work of Monique, one of
her young subordinates. Monique decides to confront the director.
This case asks students to respond to a case of trust betrayal and to reflect on their responses to
similar incidents.
Learning Objectives
*Students will practice strategies for coping with trust betrayal based on chapter
concepts.
*Students will examine their own responses to trust betrayal and, if needed,
develop more effective strategies.
Discussion Guide
Case Study 4.2
Everyone’s Favorite Professor
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Tuesdays With Morrie introduced millions of Americans to Brandeis professor Morrie Schwartz.
Sports writer Mitch Albom recorded a series of conversations with the sociology professor who
was dying of ALS disease. Even in the midst of a slow death, Morrie engaged in dialog while
sharing a lifetime of wisdom.
Morrie demonstrates the power of dialog to draw others in and to transform them. He models
mindfulness, listening and confirmation.
Learning Objectives
*Students will identify the characteristics of dialog in the interaction between Morrie
and Mitch.
Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
*Students will identify the ethical communication competencies demonstrated by
Morrie.
*Students will reflect on elements of dialog in their own relationships.
Discussion Guide
Case Study 4.3
The Stem Cell Account
Case Synopsis and Analysis
The owner of a small public relations agency (Tim O’Shannon) is asked to take on a
controversial account for a group promoting stem cell research. Tim could make the decision on
his own but decides to involve his employees instead. Before holding the discussion he decides
to set some ground rules. Readers are asked to assist Tim by analyzing the situation and by
supplying rules for a fair argument.
In this case students are asked to apply the rules of discourse ethics (moral argument) to a
controversial issue. To do so, they must think carefully about elements of the situation—affected
parties, communication channels, claims, reasoning and so on.
Discussion Guide
To determine if students understand the rules of discourse ethics, look for the following
responses to each of the questions.
1. What groups are affected by this decision?
2. Who should be involved in the discussion?
3. How should the discussion take place? What communication channels should be used?
Johnson, Organizational Ethics 3e, © 2015 – Instructor Resources
4. How can O’Shannon make sure that all participants are heard?
5. What instructions should Tim give the participants?
6. What kinds of claims could be made for or against accepting the account?
7. What types of evidence can be used to support these claims?