Janet reasons, "It's wrong to lie, BUT it is okay to overstate my expense account on my last trip, because I really need the money and the company hasn't given me a raise in the past year." What is this employee using to fit the situation at hand?
A) a value-weighted ethical approach
B) relative ethical standards
C) a universal code of ethics
D) a pragmatically justified code of ethics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The employee is using relative ethical standards to justify overstating their expense account. They are weighing their personal financial needs against the ethical principle of honesty and concluding that their need for money justifies bending the truth in this particular situation. This reflects a situational ethics perspective that allows for flexibility in ethical decision making based on the context of the situation.

Janet Reasons, "It's Wrong to Lie, BUT It Is Okay