Ethical Dilemma Simulation: A Business Decision-Making Game
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as business ethics consultants, design a simulation that challenges players to navigate the complexities of ethical decision-making, balancing profit, communication, and company values to build a resilient and reputable business?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can entrepreneurs balance profit and ethics in decision-making?
- What communication strategies are most effective in resolving ethical dilemmas in a business setting?
- How does a company's code of ethics influence its culture and operations?
- In what ways can unethical behavior impact a business's reputation and financial stability?
- What strategies can businesses implement to foster an ethical environment and prevent unethical behavior?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to evaluate different communication methods for resolving ethical dilemmas in business.
- Students will be able to create a simulation that accurately reflects the challenges of ethical decision-making.
- Students will be able to analyze the impact of ethical and unethical choices on a business's reputation and financial stability.
- Students will be able to develop and implement strategies for fostering ethical behavior in a business environment.
National Business Education Association Entrepreneurship Standard 1
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Trolley Problem: Business Edition
Present a series of modified 'trolley problem' scenarios tailored to business contexts (e.g., resource allocation, employee layoffs, environmental impact). Students debate the moral implications of each choice, revealing the complexities of ethical decision-making in the corporate world.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Code of Conduct: Crafting Ethical Guidelines
Building upon the defined core values, students will develop a comprehensive code of ethics for their simulated business. This code will outline specific guidelines and expectations for employee behavior in various situations. Students will use real-world examples of corporate codes of conduct as models and consider the legal and social implications of their guidelines.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete code of ethics document for the simulated business, including an introduction and specific guidelines aligned with the core values.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with Standard #11: Develop a code of ethics for a business venture. It also sets the stage for Standards #12 and #13 by providing the ethical framework against which behaviors will be analyzed and strategies will be developed.Dilemma Designer: Creating Ethical Challenges
Students will design a series of ethical dilemma scenarios for their simulation game. These scenarios should be realistic, complex, and directly related to the simulated business's industry and operations. Students will consider different perspectives and potential consequences of each decision, ensuring that there is no easy or obvious answer.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of detailed ethical dilemma scenarios, each with multiple possible actions and consequences.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Standard #12: Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business, by requiring students to consider the consequences of different choices. It also relates to Standard #9 by implicitly requiring students to think about how communication would play out in each scenario.Communication Crossroads: Mapping Response Strategies
For each ethical dilemma scenario, students will develop different communication strategies for addressing the situation. This involves identifying key stakeholders, determining the appropriate communication channels, and crafting clear and effective messages. Students will explore how different communication approaches can impact the outcome of the dilemma and the overall reputation of the business.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed communication plan for each ethical dilemma scenario, including stakeholder analysis, communication channels, and sample messages.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with Standard #9: Evaluate the best method of communication for business scenarios. It also relates to Standard #10 by requiring students to consider communication with diverse partners and stakeholders.Simulation Studio: Building the Game
Students will use a chosen platform (e.g., Twine, PowerPoint, or a simple branching narrative tool) to build their ethical dilemma simulation game. They will integrate the scenarios, possible actions, consequences, and communication strategies they developed in previous activities. The game should provide players with clear choices and feedback, allowing them to experience the complexities of ethical decision-making in a business context.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA functional ethical dilemma simulation game that players can navigate and experience the consequences of their choices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates all previous standards, providing a practical application of Standards #9, #10, #11, #12, and #13. It requires students to synthesize their understanding of ethical principles, communication strategies, and the impact of unethical behavior.Ethical Reflection: Analyzing Outcomes and Impact
After completing the simulation game, students will reflect on the choices they made and the outcomes they experienced. They will analyze the impact of ethical and unethical decisions on the business's reputation, financial stability, and stakeholder relationships. Students will also evaluate the effectiveness of different communication strategies and identify strategies for fostering a more ethical business environment.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written reflection analyzing the outcomes of the simulation game and identifying strategies for promoting ethical behavior in a business.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with Standards #12: Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business, and #13: Identify strategies that facilitate ethical behavior in a business. It also reinforces the learning from Standards #9, #10, and #11 by requiring students to apply their knowledge in a reflective context.Ethical Compass: Defining Your Business Values
Students will begin by exploring the core values that guide ethical business practices. They will research the values of real-world companies and discuss how these values influence decision-making. Students will then define the core values for their simulated business, which will serve as the foundation for their code of ethics and influence the ethical dilemmas they create.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA document outlining the simulated business's core values with a rationale for each.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Standard #11: Develop a code of ethics for a business venture, by establishing the foundational values upon which the code will be built. It also connects to examining the role entrepreneurs play in today’s economy (part of the overarching standard).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEthical Dilemma Simulation Rubric
Ethical Foundation: Core Values & Code of Conduct
This category assesses the clarity, relevance, and comprehensiveness of the business's core values and code of ethics. It evaluates how well these elements provide a foundation for ethical decision-making within the simulation.Clarity and Relevance of Core Values
Assesses how clearly the core values are defined and how relevant they are to the simulated business and its ethical challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsCore values are exceptionally clear, specific, and highly relevant to the business's industry and potential ethical dilemmas. The rationale for each value is insightful and demonstrates a deep understanding of its importance.
Proficient
3 PointsCore values are clearly defined and relevant to the business and its ethical challenges. The rationale for each value is well-explained and demonstrates a good understanding of its importance.
Developing
2 PointsCore values are somewhat vague or not consistently relevant to the business and its ethical challenges. The rationale for each value is superficial or lacks clear connection to business operations.
Beginning
1 PointsCore values are poorly defined, generic, and lack relevance to the business or its ethical challenges. The rationale is missing or demonstrates a limited understanding of core values.
Comprehensiveness of Code of Ethics
Evaluates how thoroughly the code of ethics addresses potential ethical dilemmas and provides guidance for employee behavior.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe code of ethics is exceptionally comprehensive, addressing a wide range of potential ethical dilemmas with clear, specific, and actionable guidelines. It reflects a deep understanding of ethical principles and legal considerations.
Proficient
3 PointsThe code of ethics is comprehensive, addressing most potential ethical dilemmas with clear and actionable guidelines. It reflects a good understanding of ethical principles and legal considerations.
Developing
2 PointsThe code of ethics is incomplete, addressing some ethical dilemmas but missing key areas or providing vague guidelines. It shows a basic understanding of ethical principles but may lack legal considerations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe code of ethics is minimal, addressing few ethical dilemmas and lacking clear guidelines. It demonstrates a limited understanding of ethical principles and legal considerations.
Simulation Design: Dilemma Creation & Communication
This category assesses the realism, complexity, and ethical challenge presented by the dilemma scenarios, as well as the effectiveness of the communication strategies developed for each scenario.Realism and Complexity of Dilemma Scenarios
Evaluates how realistic and complex the ethical dilemma scenarios are, and whether they present genuine challenges with no easy solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsDilemma scenarios are exceptionally realistic, complex, and highly engaging. They present nuanced ethical challenges with multiple stakeholders and significant consequences, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of business ethics.
Proficient
3 PointsDilemma scenarios are realistic, complex, and engaging. They present genuine ethical challenges with multiple stakeholders and potential consequences, demonstrating a good understanding of business ethics.
Developing
2 PointsDilemma scenarios are somewhat simplistic or unrealistic, lacking complexity or presenting obvious solutions. They demonstrate a basic understanding of business ethics but may not fully capture the nuances of real-world dilemmas.
Beginning
1 PointsDilemma scenarios are unrealistic, simplistic, and lack ethical complexity. They present few challenges and fail to demonstrate an understanding of business ethics.
Effectiveness of Communication Strategies
Assesses how effectively the communication strategies address the ethical dilemmas, considering stakeholder perspectives, communication channels, and message clarity.
Exemplary
4 PointsCommunication strategies are exceptionally effective, demonstrating a deep understanding of stakeholder perspectives, appropriate communication channels, and clear, persuasive messaging. Strategies are tailored to each stakeholder group and demonstrate proactive and transparent communication.
Proficient
3 PointsCommunication strategies are effective, demonstrating a good understanding of stakeholder perspectives, appropriate communication channels, and clear messaging. Strategies address the key concerns of each stakeholder group.
Developing
2 PointsCommunication strategies are somewhat ineffective, lacking a clear understanding of stakeholder perspectives, utilizing inappropriate communication channels, or presenting unclear messaging. Strategies may be generic or fail to address the specific concerns of each stakeholder group.
Beginning
1 PointsCommunication strategies are ineffective, demonstrating a limited understanding of stakeholder perspectives, utilizing inappropriate communication channels, and presenting unclear or confusing messaging. Strategies are missing or completely irrelevant.
Simulation Implementation & Ethical Reflection
This category assesses the functionality and user-friendliness of the simulation game, as well as the depth and insightfulness of the student's reflection on the ethical dilemmas and their impact.Functionality and User Experience of Simulation
Evaluates how well the simulation game functions, including its ease of use, clarity of instructions, and overall user experience.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe simulation game is exceptionally functional, intuitive, and engaging. It provides a seamless user experience with clear instructions, smooth navigation, and visually appealing design. All elements of the game work flawlessly.
Proficient
3 PointsThe simulation game is functional, user-friendly, and engaging. It provides clear instructions and smooth navigation. Minor improvements could enhance the user experience.
Developing
2 PointsThe simulation game is somewhat functional but may have usability issues, unclear instructions, or navigation problems. The user experience is inconsistent or frustrating.
Beginning
1 PointsThe simulation game is non-functional, difficult to use, and lacks clear instructions. The user experience is poor and prevents meaningful engagement.
Depth and Insightfulness of Ethical Reflection
Assesses the depth of the student's reflection on the ethical dilemmas, their outcomes, and the strategies for promoting ethical behavior in a business.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe ethical reflection is exceptionally insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the ethical dilemmas, their consequences, and the effectiveness of different communication strategies. The reflection identifies innovative and practical strategies for promoting ethical behavior in a business.
Proficient
3 PointsThe ethical reflection is insightful, demonstrating a good understanding of the ethical dilemmas, their consequences, and the effectiveness of different communication strategies. The reflection identifies relevant strategies for promoting ethical behavior in a business.
Developing
2 PointsThe ethical reflection is superficial, demonstrating a limited understanding of the ethical dilemmas, their consequences, or the effectiveness of different communication strategies. The reflection identifies few strategies for promoting ethical behavior or provides generic recommendations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe ethical reflection is minimal, lacking depth or insight. It fails to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dilemmas, their consequences, or strategies for promoting ethical behavior.