Ethical Learning

The Ethical Awareness Inventory (EAI) is a learning tool to guide each individual to learn their ethical perspectives and styles. Character, Obligation, Results, and Equity are the four categories of ethical thought used in the EAI. There is a set of 24 questions that an individual must select what is most important to them, and what it less important. Through this process the Ethical Awareness Inventory it will determine what is most important to each person. This is an important tool to be used while working with teams or in the workforce because it will show what ethical values are important to us as well as others. Describe each team member’s ethical learning style from the EAI Jamie’s Results:

According to iWise (2014), Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC) said, “Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses or avoids” (para. 1). Based on the EAI, Jamie was the most closely identified with the Character category, and least identified with Equity. The Ethical Awareness Inventory shows that some of her personal attributes may include; being compassionate, honorable, trustworthy, and genuine. She believes that people who are truly good will do good things (University of Phoenix, 2012). Some of the key concepts and values that are important to Jamie include; “fairness, wisdom, compassion, honesty, integrity, justice, respect for others ideals/values, personal excellence, commitment to virtue and decency, and equal goodwill towards others” (University of Phoenix, 2012). Olimpia’s Results:

In conclusion of the Ethical Awareness Inventory, Olimpia is a bottom line type person. The result showed combined scores for ethical profile to be equal. The final results of a project are very important. Normally if there is a no later than date I tend to want it done and completed on time. Another important finding after completing the Ethical awareness, Olimpia does not make obligated promises that will not be accomplished. Character and credibility is what makes a strong team. In Criminal justice, team work is a need and requirement. One person decision normally spiral down to another person’s idea. Olimpia find team work as team building. Team work is a great way to expose weakness and strengths. In order for any team to work all must pull together in order to accomplish results. Everyone will bring different background experiences Wilsean’s Results:

According to the Ethical Awareness Inventory (EAI), it classifies me as a person who wants results with a least perspective of equity. I tend to use all the necessary time given to complete a project in order to find research and state every answer possible correctly. After further reading the results of my ethical profile I found that I tend to not rely on others for answers, but just in case I do rely on person for an answer, I will research and make sure to see if the given information is correct. Also states that I have the destination of taking leadership. Having leadership within the Criminal Justice can sometimes be a very stress position to uphold. Because of all the different opinions and views of how things should go and having thought of those who are against you and your command. But in order to have a leadership you need to be a strong person and believe in the plan you are trying to put in place. I believe “if you can’t bring anything to the table then you need to leave the kitchen” meaning if you can’t help me in what I am trying to achieve as a leader then you need to leave my team or agency. Marcellus’s Results:

Based on Marcellus’s results, he is more character driven opposed to the sole use of equity. He believes character is a key determinate in the concept of equity; determining how ethical the decisions are that he makes, are based on how he perceives a person’s character. In the criminal justice system, equity is, in a way, subjective because what is just differs from person to person. An apologetic murderer will be forgiven faster than one who appears stone-faced and unapologetic. Having seen cases of criminals who have been on the run for years without any offenses, strengthens his claims on character being a key factor in the judging of what is fair. According to the way Marcellus thinks, a person who has proven himself worthy by a change in character should be judged on such as well as for their crimes. True equity is only achieved by our abilities to judge or fellow man as a person as well as a simple criminal.

Different characteristics require different approaches; therefore, without judging a person’s character, we fall short of the whole equity concept: being fair and being impartial. Marcellus believes that this quote embodies his beliefs to the tee: “Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need.” (Riordan, 2010). How each style relates to the criminal justice field and how it relates to being part of a team? Ethics is a vital key element in the criminal justice field. Members in the criminal justice field have to make difficult decisions on a daily basis, and most of these decisions effect several people’s lives. This is why it is critical that those in the criminal justice field have upstanding morals and ethics.

Every one of the C.O.R.E. values is important in the criminal justice field. In the Ethical Awareness Inventory under the Articulation of Perspectives, it shows the key concepts of the C.O.R.E. values. The key concepts for the Character value include; “integrity, excellence, honesty, honor, justice, compassion, and wisdom” (University of Phoenix, 2012). Each of these traits is precisely what society expects from those in the criminal justice field. As part of a team, those who fall into the character category will be honest, trustworthy, and be exemplary role models. Obligation is the second value in the EAI, and this value is also just as important. Some of the concepts that are important to these individuals include, “duty, intent, code of conduct, ethical principles, human dignity, and individual freedom” (University of Phoenix, 2012). Those who are in this category feel obligated as a duty to society to do the right thing. As part of a team, those who fall under the obligation category are ones who are very structured with rules and demand quality among all who are on their team.

The third value in the EAI is Results. Some of the adjectives that describe those in this category include; “consequences, greatest good, improvement, effectiveness, efficiency, goals, and productivity” (University of Phoenix, 2012). In the criminal justice field this is an important ethical category because these will be people who are always trying to improve the operations. As members of a team, those who fall into this group, they will always want to make sure that the task at hand is done, and at a high standard. The final EAI value is Equity. Some of the key concepts to describe the individuals in this group would include; “pragmatism, experience, culture sensitive, long-term impact, alternative views, critical thinking, and diffusion of power” (University of Phoenix, 2012). These individuals in a team are concerned with the fairness among all members. They also would be concerned with the consensus among the team.

How you work with people with different styles
In order to have a successful working relationship with those who have different styles you must “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Within a workplace setting or team you and your coworkers are on the same side trying to accomplish the same goals when completing an assignment. When I’m working with coworkers who have different styles of doing things than me I tend to apologize when I’m wrong, show interest with that person or persons and appreciate them for their help.

A person’s individual ethics will be developed and learned over a person’s lifespan. When working with people and working within the Criminal Justice system, Law Enforcement officers and other criminal justice professionals will continuously use their ethical judgment, moral decision-making and their persistence when it comes to developing their individual understanding of morality. Once a goal is acquired, the development does not stop. The process is ongoing and once the individual’s ethic morality has begun, the morality grows with the individual. Personal ethics are an important part of any professional discipline, and one must conduct them ethically to be described as ethical. (www.bcsp.org)

References:
iWise. (2014). Aristotle quote. Retrieved from University of Phoenix. (2012). Ethical Awareness Inventory (EAI)
[Multimedia]. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, CJA324 website. Riordan, R. (2010). The Red Pyramid (2nd ed.). www.bcsp.org