Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Case Notes
Chapter 3: Components of Personal Ethical Development
Case Study 3.1: Killers as Caregivers: California’s Prison Gold Coats
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Older prison inmates are more prone to dementia than those living outside of prison walls.
Caring for prisoners with dementia is expensive, costing up to nine times more than caring for
younger, healthier inmates. Prisoners with dementia must be protected from other prisoners and
Families of loved ones cared for by Gold Coats don’t seem bothered by their violent pasts, and
are grateful for the care these prisoners provide.
Learning Objectives
• Students will identify the existence of altruism in a highly unusual setting.
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Discussion Guide
Students will likely be surprised that violent inmates, often written off by society, can serve as
effective caregivers. They might feel uneasy knowing that a convicted murderer was taking care
of one of their imprisoned family members, though that doesn’t seem to be the case for the
Case Study 3.2: Mural, Mural on the Wall: The Fight’s Not Over
Case Synopsis and Analysis
In San Francisco, liberals are battling liberals over how whether or not to remove a mural at the
city’s George Washington High School. Thirteen frescoes, critical of the nation’s first president,
show Washington as slave holder who promoted mistreatment of native Americans. Three of the
panels depict Washington’s slave, a Native American carrying a scalp, and a dead Native
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
This case demonstrates the power of shared narratives, illustrating that history is never
entirely in the past. It also raises important questions about the purpose of art and how to balance
competing values.
Learning Objectives
• Students will recognize the power of shared narratives.
Discussion Guide
Students will likely have differing views of the mural—some considering it an attack on racism,
others believing it reinforces racist messages. Probe to see if students think that the meaning of
the story told by the panels has changed over time and how. Have class members put themselves
Case Study 3.3: “Notorious RBG”: Supreme Court Justice as Cultural Icon
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a cultural icon, with her owlish glasses and lace
collars appearing on tattoos, t-shirts, Valentines and greeting cards. Some refer to her as
“Notorious RBG,” drawing a humorous and admiring contrast between the small Jewish
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
grandmother in her 80s and the 300-pound dead rapper Notorious B.I.G. RBG is a hero to many
who object to recent court rulings. She is the most outspoken and prominent liberal on the court,
which has shifted to the conservative right.
Learning Objectives
• Students will examine the role of passages in promoting character growth.
Discussion Guide
Some students may not be familiar with Ginsburg, despite her popularity. You might want to
show her picture as well as examples of how her image appears in a variety of settings. Ginsburg
overcame a series of life passages that might have proved insurmountable to others. Consider
why she was able to grow from these challenges and how passages can promote our character