In the vast world of business there is a constant and inevitable struggle to achieve a more powerful position or leadership role. Power is the shear essence of most corporate endeavors and the need for more power drives most individuals to excel at their current positions, so they may catapult to the next level. The ability to obtain a powerful position solidifies the feeling of having control over the future of your career and well being. Power is a multifaceted resource that most individuals crave, and would go to any lengths to obtain. Although it is important to solidify your future, you must also remain ethically and morally sound while doing so.
Having read a scenario from a case study that proposed an ethical dilemma, I found that the rise for power and political gain in the workplace can test both an individual’s ethical judgment and strength. The issue here is that Michael is faced with an ethical dilemma regarding whether or not to participate in politics in order to capture a higher position within another sector of his organization. He is aware that his opponent Danielle has entered workplace politics at full speed, and is using every opportunity to gain leverage against Michael. The executive that will choose the best person for the position is Pierre, who is fair and diligent when choosing the appropriate candidate for the job.
Michael however, has a real problem with trying to strategically place himself at the center of Pierre’s attention for the U.S. job. He has observed Danielle making great strides to win over Pierre by attracting him with her new ideas and the social alliances she is making within the company. He is truly reluctant about playing office politics, but feels that if he completely shies away from doing so his career may be in jeopardy.
Michael’s opponent demonstrates legitimate political strategy and should be considered a