From Lectures to Love Letters A Simulated Ethical Vignette-Based Exercise for Business Students

Abstract

Record ID: 73

Program Affiliation:  NA

Presentation Type: Podium

Abstract: This study presents an ethical vignette exercise that investigates perceptions and ethical evaluations concerning hypothetical relationships between a faculty member and a student before and after graduation. The vignettes are intentionally vague to illustrate a framework relying on facts, assumptions, and opinions that trigger cognitive bias in participants. The exercise reveals the multifaceted nature of ethical judgment, showcasing how participants navigate the grey areas of relationships with inherent power imbalances. Through qualitative analysis, we captured diverse reactions ranging from outright dismissal to cautious acceptance, underpinned by a spectrum of moral and social considerations. This research underscores the significant role of contextual information in shaping ethical evaluations, highlighting how the absence of specific details leads individuals to fill gaps with their biases, assumptions, and societal norms. This exercise is an excellent tool for business ethics education as it demonstrates the need for critical thinking, nuanced decision-making, the complex interplay of personal biases and societal norms, and professional ethical standards in a simulated, real-world scenario.