Topic 3: The OnO Rule

Do Professionals have a moral Obligation to do the right thing in their jobs? To answer this question, society has agreed upon a rule: Opportunity + Need = Obligation ONO Opportunity Need Obligation “To Whom much is Given, Much is expected/Required” This means that if we give you an important job with lots of benefits, we expect more out of you. (If a company’s product is bad, we blame the Manager, not the worker)

Opportunity Opportunities exist because professionals have special training and skills. For example, I will not have the same opportunity to save a drowning child as a Lifeguard would have. The lifeguard has special training and skills to handle the situation that I do not have.

Opportunity For there to be an opportunity, the Professionals must have: Expertise (Experience) Knowledge Skills Must also have: Resources Time $$$$ Freedom Expertise + Resources makes opportunity. Remember, if you have the skills, but not the time or $$$$, then there is no opportunity.

Practice: Question 1 In the past, you went to college and got a degree in Business Management. You are now the teacher for a class of Senior College Students. You teach Business Management. A student comes to you and says that he is studying for a Chemistry Exam and he really needs your help. Is this a good OPPORTUNITY for you to help him as a professional? You are the owner of a small lawyer’s office. You have a lot of money in a bank account set aside only to be used to help the poor clients. You also have a lot of time free right now because your co-worker is handling all the cases. A poor client comes and asks for your help with a lawsuit. Is this a good OPPORTUNITY for you to help him as a professional?

Genuine Needs There must not only be an opportunity for the professional to help, there must also be a Genuine Need for their help. A profession is something that satisfies a need of society. The question then is, what counts as a “genuine” or ‘important need?” The more immediate or vital a need is, the more likely it is that there is a genuine need.

Need  Biological Needs: most basic: health, food, water, shelter (doctor)  Purpose of Life Needs: assist as you pursue what gives meaning/purpose to your life (teacher, counselor)  Lifestyle Requirements: necessary for living in your society (car, telephone)  Luxuries: wants, desires if all other 3 are filled (DVD collection)

Practice: what Needs do these jobs satisfy and in what category does that need fall? Electrician (1) Car Salesman (2) Music Teacher (3) Furniture Salesman (4) Movie Producer (5) Financial Adviser (6)

Obligation Because they have the opportunity, and the people need their help, professionals are obligated to meet the needs.

ONO “Professionals have more OPPORTUNITY than other folks because of their special skills, and exposure to genuine NEED in society – therefore, they have moral OBLIGATIONS to help meet those genuine NEEDS.

Are These Jobs Professions? Computer Engineer (1) Chinese Pop Singer (2) Dentist (3) Firefighter (4) Astronaut (5) Photographer (6) Journalist (7) Flight Attendant (1) Nurse (2) Book Writer (3) Secretary (4) Fashion Designer (5) Business Manager (6) Architect (7)

How to Make an Ethical Decision: Ethical Toolbox 2 Levels: Level 1 – Cognitive Elements Have Facts, Knowledge Non-Cognitive Elements Clear and Open Mind Controlled Emotions

Level 2 – Ethical Toolbox 3 Elements: Decide what is right Be motivated to do what is right Have the appropriate emotional Response