case study for ethics

Annual Review of Ethics Case Studies

What are research ethics cases.

For additional information, please visit Resources for Research Ethics Education

Research Ethics Cases are a tool for discussing scientific integrity. Cases are designed to confront the readers with a specific problem that does not lend itself to easy answers. By providing a focus for discussion, cases help staff involved in research to define or refine their own standards, to appreciate alternative approaches to identifying and resolving ethical problems, and to develop skills for dealing with hard problems on their own.

Research Ethics Cases for Use by the NIH Community

Theme 24 – Using AI in Research and Ethical Conduct of Clinical Trials (2024)
Theme 23 – Authorship, Collaborations, and Mentoring (2023)
Theme 22 – Use of Human Biospecimens and Informed Consent (2022)
Theme 21 – Science Under Pressure (2021)
Theme 20 – Data, Project and Lab Management, and Communication (2020)
Theme 19 – Civility, Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct (2019)
Theme 18 – Implicit and Explicit Biases in the Research Setting (2018)
Theme 17 – Socially Responsible Science (2017)
Theme 16 – Research Reproducibility (2016)
Theme 15 – Authorship and Collaborative Science (2015)
Theme 14 – Differentiating Between Honest Discourse and Research Misconduct and Introduction to Enhancing Reproducibility (2014)
Theme 13 – Data Management, Whistleblowers, and Nepotism (2013)
Theme 12 – Mentoring (2012)
Theme 11 – Authorship (2011)
Theme 10 – Science and Social Responsibility, continued (2010)
Theme 9 – Science and Social Responsibility - Dual Use Research (2009)
Theme 8 – Borrowing - Is It Plagiarism? (2008)
Theme 7 – Data Management and Scientific Misconduct (2007)
Theme 6 – Ethical Ambiguities (2006)
Theme 5 – Data Management (2005)
Theme 4 – Collaborative Science (2004)
Theme 3 – Mentoring (2003)
Theme 2 – Authorship (2002)
Theme 1 – Scientific Misconduct (2001)

For Facilitators Leading Case Discussion

For the sake of time and clarity of purpose, it is essential that one individual have responsibility for leading the group discussion. As a minimum, this responsibility should include:

Reading the case aloud.
Defining, and re-defining as needed, the questions to be answered.
Encouraging discussion that is “on topic”.
Discouraging discussion that is “off topic”.
Keeping the pace of discussion appropriate to the time available.
Eliciting contributions from all members of the discussion group.
Summarizing both majority and minority opinions at the end of the discussion.

How Should Cases be Analyzed?

Many of the skills necessary to analyze case studies can become tools for responding to real world problems. Cases, like the real world, contain uncertainties and ambiguities. Readers are encouraged to identify key issues, make assumptions as needed, and articulate options for resolution. In addition to the specific questions accompanying each case, readers should consider the following questions:

Who are the affected parties (individuals, institutions, a field, society) in this situation?
What interest(s) (material, financial, ethical, other) does each party have in the situation? Which interests are in conflict?
Were the actions taken by each of the affected parties acceptable (ethical, legal, moral, or common sense)? If not, are there circumstances under which those actions would have been acceptable? Who should impose what sanction(s)?
What other courses of action are open to each of the affected parties? What is the likely outcome of each course of action?
For each party involved, what course of action would you take, and why?
What actions could have been taken to avoid the conflict?

Is There a Right Answer?

Acceptable solutions.

Most problems will have several acceptable solutions or answers, but it will not always be the case that a perfect solution can be found. At times, even the best solution will still have some unsatisfactory consequences.

Unacceptable Solutions

While more than one acceptable solution may be possible, not all solutions are acceptable. For example, obvious violations of specific rules and regulations or of generally accepted standards of conduct would typically be unacceptable. However, it is also plausible that blind adherence to accepted rules or standards would sometimes be an unacceptable course of action.

Ethical Decision-Making

It should be noted that ethical decision-making is a process rather than a specific correct answer. In this sense, unethical behavior is defined by a failure to engage in the process of ethical decision-making. It is always unacceptable to have made no reasonable attempt to define a consistent and defensible basis for conduct.

This page was last updated on Friday, July 26, 2024

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Ethics Case Studies

Last updated on April 3, 2024 by Alex Andrews George

Ethics case studies are mainly about decision-making and problem-solving .

The reader will be presented with a situation and he will be asked to decide to solve the problem.

The factors involved may include ethics , but it may not be just about ethics. It can have social, economic, and political dimensions.

Table of Contents

Case Study: Decision Making (Accident)

You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and you have cleared various stages and now you have been selected for the personal interview. On the day of the interview, on the way to the venue, you saw an accident where a mother and child who happen to be your relatives were badly injured. They needed immediate help.

What would you have done in such a situation? Justify your action. (UPSC CSE 2017)

Case Study: Conflict Resolution (Development vs Environment)

Nowadays, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development.

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Many a time, we face a direct conflict between development activity and environmental quality.

It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival.

Discuss some feasible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development. (UPSC CSE 2014)

Case Study: Ethics vs Easy Path (Advice to Friend)

Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you to discuss some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:-

(i) In the present times, when an unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can?

(ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated.

(iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race for development

(iv) Understandably, we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation.

It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong with adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. Based on this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend? (UPSC CSE 2014)

Case Study: Problem Solving of a Social Issue (Migration)

In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the urban areas. Things are becoming unmanageable. Can you analyze this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly brings out why –

(a) educated youth are trying to shift to urban areas

(b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums

What feasible steps can you suggest that will be effective in controlling this serious problem in our country? (UPSC CSE 2014)

Case Study: Decision Making (Order of Rescue in Flood)

There is a disaster-prone state having frequent landslides, forest fires, cloudbursts, flash floods earthquakes, etc. Some of these are seasonal and often unpredictable. The magnitude of the disaster is always unanticipated. During one of the seasons, a cloudburst caused devastating floods and landslides leading to high casualties. There was major damage to infrastructure like roads, bridges and power-generating units. This led to more than 100000 pilgrims, tourists and other locals trapped across different routes and locations. The people trapped in your area of responsibility include senior citizens, patients in hospitals, women and children, hikers, tourists, ruling parties, regional presidents along with their families, additional chief secretaries of the neighbouring state and prisoners in jail.

As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would rescue these people and why? Give Justifications. (UPSC CSE 2015)

Case Study: Problem Solving (Policy Making)

Land needed for mining, dams and other large-scale projects is acquired mostly from Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The displaced persons are paid monetary compensation as per the legal provisions. However, the payment is often tardy. In any case, it cannot sustain the displaced families for long. These people do not possess marketable skills to engage in some other accusation. They end up as low-paid migrant labourers. Moreover, their development goes to industries, industrialists and urban communities whereas the costs are passed on to these poor helpless people. This unjust distribution of costs and benefits is unethical. Suppose you have been entrusted with the task of drafting a better compensation-cum-rehabilitation policy for such displaced persons, how would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your suggested policy? (UPSC CSE 2016)

Case Study: Problem Solving (NGO)

Saraswati was a successful IT professional in the USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing something for the country she returned to India. Together with some other like-minded friends, she formed an NGO to build a school for a poor rural community. The objective of the school was to provide the best quality modern education at a nominal cost. She soon discovered that she had to seek permission from several Government agencies. The rules and procedures were quite confusing and cumbersome. What frustrated her most was delays, the callous attitude of officials and the constant demand for bribes. Her experience and the experience of many others like her have deterred people from taking up social service projects. A measure of Government control over voluntary social work is necessary. But it should not be exercised in a coercive a corrupt manner. What measures can you suggest to ensure that due control is exercised but well-meaning, honest NGO efforts are not thwarted? (UPSC CSE 2016)

Case Study: Ethical Dilemma (Options and Reasons for Choice)

You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company which is making a name for itself in the market.

Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMSs to all the team members including his female colleagues.

One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains about the continued misconduct of Mr A, who has been making undesirable advances towards her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tenders her resignation and leaves your office. (UPSC CSE 2014)

What are the options available to you?
Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.

Suppose you are an officer in charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquirers also show that she is destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without the necessary documents would be a violation of the rules. But denying her the support would be cruel.

a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? b) Give your reasons for it. (UPSC CSE 2016)

More Ethics Case Studies

Ethics Case Study: Personal Ethics vs Professional Ethics
Ethics Case Study: Change in Eligibility Criteria
Ethics Case Study: Your Son In Trouble
Ethics Case Study: Juvenile Justice Act and Heinous Crimes
Ethical Dilemma: 10 Heartbreaking Case Studies

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Ethics Case Studies: Conclusion

Case studies connected with ethics, integrity and aptitude cover diverse situations and scenarios.

While the major chunk of questions may be connected with solving ethical dilemmas , there can be other types of questions as well.

Through the lens of ethics case studies, the evaluator will judge your decision-making and problem-solving skills.

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18 Jun 2024
Cold Call Podcast

How Natural Winemaker Frank Cornelissen Innovated While Staying True to His Brand

In 2018, artisanal Italian vineyard Frank Cornelissen was one of the world’s leading producers of natural wine. But when weather-related conditions damaged that year’s grapes, founder Frank Cornelissen had to decide between staying true to the tenets of natural wine making or breaking with his public beliefs to save that year’s grapes by adding sulfites. Harvard Business School assistant professor Tiona Zuzul discusses the importance of staying true to your company’s principles while remaining flexible enough to welcome progress in the case, Frank Cornelissen: The Great Sulfite Debate.

30 Apr 2024

When Managers Set Unrealistic Expectations, Employees Cut Ethical Corners

Corporate misconduct has grown in the past 30 years, with losses often totaling billions of dollars. What businesses may not realize is that misconduct often results from managers who set unrealistic expectations, leading decent people to take unethical shortcuts, says Lynn S. Paine.

23 Apr 2024

Amazon in Seattle: The Role of Business in Causing and Solving a Housing Crisis

In 2020, Amazon partnered with a nonprofit called Mary’s Place and used some of its own resources to build a shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness on its campus in Seattle. Yet critics argued that Amazon’s apparent charity was misplaced and that the company was actually making the problem worse. Paul Healy and Debora Spar explore the role business plays in addressing unhoused communities in the case “Hitting Home: Amazon and Mary’s Place.”

15 Apr 2024

Struggling With a Big Management Decision? Start by Asking What Really Matters

Leaders must face hard choices, from cutting a budget to adopting a strategy to grow. To make the right call, they should start by following their own “true moral compass,” says Joseph Badaracco.

26 Mar 2024

How Do Great Leaders Overcome Adversity?

In the spring of 2021, Raymond Jefferson (MBA 2000) applied for a job in President Joseph Biden’s administration. Ten years earlier, false allegations were used to force him to resign from his prior US government position as assistant secretary of labor for veterans’ employment and training in the Department of Labor. Two employees had accused him of ethical violations in hiring and procurement decisions, including pressuring subordinates into extending contracts to his alleged personal associates. The Deputy Secretary of Labor gave Jefferson four hours to resign or be terminated. Jefferson filed a federal lawsuit against the US government to clear his name, which he pursued for eight years at the expense of his entire life savings. Why, after such a traumatic and debilitating experience, would Jefferson want to pursue a career in government again? Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer Anthony Mayo explores Jefferson’s personal and professional journey from upstate New York to West Point to the Obama administration, how he faced adversity at several junctures in his life, and how resilience and vulnerability shaped his leadership style in the case, "Raymond Jefferson: Trial by Fire."

02 Jan 2024

Should Businesses Take a Stand on Societal Issues?

Should businesses take a stand for or against particular societal issues? And how should leaders determine when and how to engage on these sensitive matters? Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer Hubert Joly, who led the electronics retailer Best Buy for almost a decade, discusses examples of corporate leaders who had to determine whether and how to engage with humanitarian crises, geopolitical conflict, racial justice, climate change, and more in the case, “Deciding When to Engage on Societal Issues.”

12 Dec 2023

Can Sustainability Drive Innovation at Ferrari?

When Ferrari, the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, committed to achieving carbon neutrality and to electrifying a large part of its car fleet, investors and employees applauded the new strategy. But among the company’s suppliers, the reaction was mixed. Many were nervous about how this shift would affect their bottom lines. Professor Raffaella Sadun and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna discuss how Ferrari collaborated with suppliers to work toward achieving the company’s goal. They also explore how sustainability can be a catalyst for innovation in the case, “Ferrari: Shifting to Carbon Neutrality.” This episode was recorded live December 4, 2023 in front of a remote studio audience in the Live Online Classroom at Harvard Business School.

11 Dec 2023
Research & Ideas

Doing Well by Doing Good? One Industry’s Struggle to Balance Values and Profits

Few companies wrestle with their moral mission and financial goals like those in journalism. Research by Lakshmi Ramarajan explores how a disrupted industry upholds its values even as the bottom line is at stake.

27 Nov 2023

Voting Democrat or Republican? The Critical Childhood Influence That's Tough to Shake

Candidates might fixate on red, blue, or swing states, but the neighborhoods where voters spend their teen years play a key role in shaping their political outlook, says research by Vincent Pons. What do the findings mean for the upcoming US elections?

21 Nov 2023

The Beauty Industry: Products for a Healthy Glow or a Compact for Harm?

Many cosmetics and skincare companies present an image of social consciousness and transformative potential, while profiting from insecurity and excluding broad swaths of people. Geoffrey Jones examines the unsightly reality of the beauty industry.

09 Nov 2023

What Will It Take to Confront the Invisible Mental Health Crisis in Business?

The pressure to do more, to be more, is fueling its own silent epidemic. Lauren Cohen discusses the common misperceptions that get in the way of supporting employees' well-being, drawing on case studies about people who have been deeply affected by mental illness.

07 Nov 2023

How Should Meta Be Governed for the Good of Society?

Julie Owono is executive director of Internet Sans Frontières and a member of the Oversight Board, an outside entity with the authority to make binding decisions on tricky moderation questions for Meta’s companies, including Facebook and Instagram. Harvard Business School visiting professor Jesse Shapiro and Owono break down how the Board governs Meta’s social and political power to ensure that it’s used responsibly, and discuss the Board’s impact, as an alternative to government regulation, in the case, “Independent Governance of Meta’s Social Spaces: The Oversight Board.”

24 Oct 2023

From P.T. Barnum to Mary Kay: Lessons From 5 Leaders Who Changed the World

What do Steve Jobs and Sarah Breedlove have in common? Through a series of case studies, Robert Simons explores the unique qualities of visionary leaders and what today's managers can learn from their journeys.

03 Oct 2023
Research Event

Build the Life You Want: Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey Share Happiness Tips

"Happiness is not a destination. It's a direction." In this video, Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey reflect on mistakes, emotions, and contentment, sharing lessons from their new book.

12 Sep 2023

Successful, But Still Feel Empty? A Happiness Scholar and Oprah Have Advice for You

So many executives spend decades reaching the pinnacles of their careers only to find themselves unfulfilled at the top. In the book Build the Life You Want, Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey offer high achievers a guide to becoming better leaders—of their lives.

10 Jul 2023
In Practice

The Harvard Business School Faculty Summer Reader 2023

Need a book recommendation for your summer vacation? HBS faculty members share their reading lists, which include titles that explore spirituality, design, suspense, and more.

01 Jun 2023

A Nike Executive Hid His Criminal Past to Turn His Life Around. What If He Didn't Have To?

Larry Miller committed murder as a teenager, but earned a college degree while serving time and set out to start a new life. Still, he had to conceal his record to get a job that would ultimately take him to the heights of sports marketing. A case study by Francesca Gino, Hise Gibson, and Frances Frei shows the barriers that formerly incarcerated Black men are up against and the potential talent they could bring to business.

04 Apr 2023

Two Centuries of Business Leaders Who Took a Stand on Social Issues

Executives going back to George Cadbury and J. N. Tata have been trying to improve life for their workers and communities, according to the book Deeply Responsible Business: A Global History of Values-Driven Leadership by Geoffrey Jones. He highlights three practices that deeply responsible companies share.

14 Mar 2023

Can AI and Machine Learning Help Park Rangers Prevent Poaching?

Globally there are too few park rangers to prevent the illegal trade of wildlife across borders, or poaching. In response, Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) was created by a coalition of conservation organizations to take historical data and create geospatial mapping tools that enable more efficient deployment of rangers. SMART had demonstrated significant improvements in patrol coverage, with some observed reductions in poaching. Then a new predictive analytic tool, the Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS), was created to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to try to predict where poachers would be likely to strike. Jonathan Palmer, Executive Director of Conservation Technology for the Wildlife Conservation Society, already had a good data analytics tool to help park rangers manage their patrols. Would adding an AI- and ML-based tool improve outcomes or introduce new problems? Harvard Business School senior lecturer Brian Trelstad discusses the importance of focusing on the use case when determining the value of adding a complex technology solution in his case, “SMART: AI and Machine Learning for Wildlife Conservation.”

14 Feb 2023

Does It Pay to Be a Whistleblower?

In 2013, soon after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had started a massive whistleblowing program with the potential for large monetary rewards, two employees of a US bank’s asset management business debated whether to blow the whistle on their employer after completing an internal review that revealed undisclosed conflicts of interest. The bank’s asset management business disproportionately invested clients’ money in its own mutual funds over funds managed by other banks, letting it collect additional fees—and the bank had not disclosed this conflict of interest to clients. Both employees agreed that failing to disclose the conflict was a problem, but beyond that, they saw the situation very differently. One employee, Neel, perceived the internal review as a good-faith effort by senior management to identify and address the problem. The other, Akash, thought that the entire business model was problematic, even with a disclosure, and believed that the bank may have even broken the law. Should they escalate the issue internally or report their findings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission? Harvard Business School associate professor Jonas Heese discusses the potential risks and rewards of whistleblowing in his case, “Conflicts of Interest at Uptown Bank.”

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Case Study - 28: Environment v/s Development

12 Nov 2022

Case Study - 27: Emotional Intelligence in Corporate Offices

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Case Study - 26: Media ethics vs Public Safety

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Case Study - 23: Personal relations vs Ethical values

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27 Sep 2019

Case Study - 17: Personal relation v/s Public duty

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“Ad”mission of guilt
“Do I stop him?”
Newspaper joins war against drugs
Have I got a deal for you!
Identifying what’s right
Is “Enough!” too much?
Issues of bench and bar
Knowing when to say “when!”
Stop! This is a warning…
Strange bedfellows
Gambling with being first
Making the right ethical choice can mean winning by losing
Playing into a hoaxster’s hands
“They said it first”
Is it news, ad or informercial?
Letter to the editor
Games publishers play
An offer you can refuse
An oily gift horse
Public service . . . or “news-mercials”
As life passes by
Bringing death close
A careless step, a rash of calls
Distortion of reality?
Of life and death
Naked came the rider
“A photo that had to be used”
A picture of controversy
Freedom of political expression
Brother, can you spare some time?
Columnist’s crusade OK with Seattle
Kiss and tell
The making of a govenor
Past but not over
Of publishers and politics
To tell the truth
Truth & Consequences
“Truth boxes”
When journalists become flacks
A book for all journalists who believe
The Billboard Bandit
Food for thought
Grand jury probe
Judgement on journalists
Lessons from an ancient spirit
Lying for the story . . .
Newspaper nabs Atlanta’s Dahmer
One way to a good end
Over the fence
“Psst! Pass it on!”
Rules aren’t neat on Crack Street
“Someone had to be her advocate”
Trial by Fire
Trial by proximity
Using deceit to get the truth
When advocacy is okay
Witness to an execution
Are we our brother’s keeper? . . . You bet we are!
Betraying a trust
Broken promise
“But I thought you were . . . ”
“Can I take it back?”
Competitive disadvantage
Getting it on tape
The great quote question
How to handle suicide threats
Let’s make a deal!
A phone-y issue?
The source wanted out
The story that died in a lie
Thou shalt not break thy promise
Thou shalt not concoct thy quote
Thou shalt not trick thy source
Too good to be true
Vulnerable sources and journalistic responsibility
The way things used to be . . .
When a story just isn’t worth it
When a story source threatens suicide
When public should remain private
The ethics of “outing”
“For personal reasons”
Intruding on grief
Intruding on private pain
Privacy case settled against TV station
Seeing both sides
Two views on “outing”
Unwanted spotlight
Whose right is it anyway?
Other views on the Christine Busalacchi case
The death of a soldier
Firing at Round Rock
A kinder, gentler news media
Operation: Buy yourself a parade
Rallying ’round the flag
“Salute to military” ads canceled
Tell the truth, stay alive
The windbags of war
Absent with no malice
Anonymity for rape victims . . .
An exception to the rule
The boy with a broken heart
Civilly suitable
Creating a victim
“Everyone already knew”
An exceptional case
Innocent victims
Minor infraction
Names make news
Naming a victim
Naming “johns”
Profile of controversy
What the media all missed
Punishing plagiarizers
Sounding an alarm on AIDS
Suffer the children
Anchor’s away
The day the earth stood still
Doing your own ethics audit
Good guys, bad guys and TV news
Is it just me, or . . . ?
The Post’s exam answer story
TV station “teases” suicide
Yanking Doonesbury
The year in review
Colorado media’s option play
Deadly lesson
Deciding which critically ill person gets coverage
When journalists play God . . .
A delicate balance
The Fallen Servant
Handle with care
It’s the principle, really
Killing news
Maybe what seems so right is wrong
On the line
Protest and apology after Daily Beacon story
Red flag for badgering
Sharing the community’s grief
The “super-crip” stereotype
“And then he said *&%*!!!”
When big is not better
When the KKK comes calling
Not the straight story
Agreeing to disagree
All in the family
Family feud
Author! Author!
The Bee that roared
Brewing controversy
Building barriers
Other views from librarians
The ethics of information selling
Close to home
Family ties
How now, sacred cow?
The ties that bind
“Like any other story”
When your newspaper is the news
Not friendly fire
Overdraft on credibility?
The problem is the writing
Written rules can be hazardous
Project censored, sins of omission and the hardest “W” of all – “why”
Risking the newsroom’s image
The Media School

Ethics Case Studies

Ethics cases online.

This set of cases has been created for teachers, researchers, professional journalists and consumers of news to help them explore ethical issues in journalism. The cases raise a variety of ethical problems faced by journalists, including such issues as privacy, conflict of interest, reporter- source relationships, and the role of journalists in their communities.

The initial core of this database comes from a series of cases developed by Barry Bingham, Jr., and published in his newsletter, FineLine. The school is grateful to Bingham for his permission to make these cases available to a wider audience.

You may download cases for classes, research or personal use. Permission is granted for academic use of these cases, including inclusion in course readers for specific college courses. This permission does not extend to the republication of the cases in books, journals or electronic form.

Note: We are indebted to Professor Emeritus David Boeyink, who developed this project several years ago.

Aiding law enforcement

“Ad”mission of guilt: Court-ordered ads raise ethical questions
“Do I stop him?”: Reporter’s arresting question is news
Fairness: A casualty of the anti-drug crusade
Newspaper joins war against drugs: Standard-Times publishes photos of all suspected drug offenders
Have I got a deal for you!: The line between cooperation and collusion
Identifying what’s right: Photographer’s ID used in hostage release
Is “Enough!” too much?: Editors split on anti-drug coupons
Issues of bench and bar: In this case, a TV reporter is the judge
Knowing when to say “when!”: Drawing the line at cooperating with authorities
Stop! This is a warning . . . : Suppressing news at police request
Strange Bedfellows: Federal agents in a TV newsroom

Being first

Gambling with being first: The media drive to score on the Isiah Thomas story
Playing into a hoaxster’s hands: How the Virginia media got suckered
“They said it first”: Is that reason for going for the story?

Bottom-line decisions

Is it news, ad or infomercial?: The line between news and advertising is going, going . . .
Games publishers play: Allowing an advertiser to call the shots
An offer you can refuse: The selling of Cybill to the Enquirer
An oily gift horse: saying “No!” to Exxon
Public service. . .or “news-mercials”: The blending of television news and advertising

Controversial photos

As life passes by: A journalist’s role: watch and wait
Bringing death close: Publishing photographs of human tragedy
A careless step, a rash of calls: “Unusual” photo of AIDS walkathon raises hackles”
Distortion of reality?: “Punk for Peace” photograph draws fire
Of life and death: Photos capture woman’s last moments
“A photo that had to be used”: Anatomy of a newspaper’s decision
A picture of controversy: Pulitzer photos show diverse editorial standards

Covering politics

Freedom of political expression: Do journalists forfeit their right?
Brother, can you spare some time?: TV stations give candidates air time
Columnist’s crusade OK with Seattle Times
Kiss and tell: Publishing details of a mayor’s personal life
The making of a governor: How media fantasy swayed an election
Past but not over: When history collides with the Present
Of publishers and politics: Byline protest threatened at Star Tribune
To tell the truth: Why I didn’t; why I regret it
Truth & Consequences: The public’s right to know . . . at what cost?
“Truth boxes”: Media monitoring of TV campaign ads
When journalists become flacks: Two views on what to do and when to do it

Getting the story

A book for all journalists who believe: Accuracy is our highest ethical debate
The Billboard Bandit: Did the newspaper get graffiti on its reputation
Food for thought: You are what you eat . . . and do
Grand jury probe: TV journalists indicted for illegal dogfight
Judgment on journalists: Do they defiantly put themselves “above the law?”
Lessons from an ancient spirit: Why I participated in a peyote ritual
Lying for the story . . . :Or things they don’t teach in journalism school
Newspaper nabs Atlanta’s Dahmer: Another predator who should’ve been stopped: Was it homophobia?
One way to a good end: Reporter cuts corners to test capital drug program
Over the fence: A case of crossing the line for a story
“Psst! Pass it on!”: Why are journalists spreading rumors?
Rules aren’t neat on Crack Street: Journalists know the rules; they also know that the rules don’t always apply when confronted with life-threatening situations
“Someone had to be her advocate”: A newspaper’s crusade to keep a child’s death from being forgotten
Trial by Fire: Boy “hero” story tests media
Trial by proximity: How close is too close for a jury and a reporter?
Using deceit to get the truth: When there’s just no other way
When advocacy is okay: Access is an acceptable journalist’s cause
White lies: Bending the truth to expose injustice
Witness to an execution: KQED sues to videotape capital punishment

Handling sources

Are we our brother’s keeper? . . . You bet we are!
Betraying a trust: Our story wronged a naive subject
Broken Promise: Breaching a reporter-source confidence
“But I thought you were . . .”: When a source doesn’t know you are a reporter
“Can I take it back?”: Why we told our source ‘yes’
Competitive disadvantage: Business blindsided by unnamed sources
Getting it on tape: What if you don’t tell them?
The great quote question: How much tampering with quotations can journalists ethically do?
Let’s make a deal!: The dangers of trading with sources
A phone-y issue?: Caller ID raises confidentiality questions
The source wanted out: Why our decision was ‘no’
The story that died in a lie: Questions about truthfulness kill publication
Thou shalt not break thy promise: Supreme Court rules on betraying sources’ anonymity
Thou shalt not concoct thy quote: Supreme Court decides on the rules of the quotation game
Thou shalt not trick thy source: Many a slip twixt the promise and the page
Too good to be true: Blowing the whistle on a lying source
Vulnerable sources and journalistic responsibility: Are we our brother’s keeper?
The way things used to be . . . : Who says this new “objectivity” is better?
When a story just isn’t worth it: Holding information to protect a good source
When a story source threatens suicide: “I’m going to kill myself!”

Invading privacy

The ethics of “outing”: Breaking the silence code on homosexuality
“For personal reasons”: Balancing privacy with the right to know
Intruding on grief: Does the public really have a “need to know?”
Intruding on private pain: Emotional TV segment offers hard choice
Seeing both sides: A personal and professional dilemma
Two views on “outing”: When the media do it for you
Two views on “outing”: When you do it yourself
Unwanted Spotlight: When private people become part of a public story
Whose right is it anyway?: Videotape of accident victim raises questions about rights to privacy

Military Issues

The death of a soldier: Hometown decision for hometown hero
Firing at Round Rock: Editor says “unpatriotic” story led to dismissal
A kinder, gentler news media?: Post-war coverage shows sensitivity to families
Operation: Buy yourself a parade: New York papers pitch in for hoopla celebrating hide-and-seek war
Rallying ’round the flag: The press as U.S. propagandists
“Salute to military” ads canceled
Tell the truth, stay alive: In covering a civil war, honesty is the only policy
The windbags of war: Television’s gung-ho coverage of the Persian Gulf situation

Naming newsmakers

Absent with no malice: Omitting part of the story for a reason
Anonymity for rape victims . . . : should the rules change?
An exception to the rule: a decision to change names
The boy with a broken heart: Special problems when juveniles are newsmakers
Civilly suitable: If law requires less, should media reveal more?
Creating a victim: Plot for a fair story may not be foolproof
“Everyone already knew”: A weak excuse for abandoning standards
An exceptional case: Hartford Courant names rape victim
Innocent victims: Naming the guilty . . . but guiltless
Minor infraction: A newspaper’s case for breaking the law
Names make news: One newspaper debates when and why
Naming a victim: When do you break your own rule?
Naming “johns”: Suicide raises ethical questions about policy
Profile of controversy: New York Times reporter defends story on Kennedy rape claimant
What the media all missed: Times reporter finally sets record straight on Palm Beach rape profile
Punishing plagiarizers: Does public exposure fit the sin?
Sounding an alarm on AIDS: Spreading the word about someone who’s spreading the disease
Suffer the Children: Journalists are guilty of child misuse

Sensitive news topics

Colorado media’s option play: Most passed; did they also fumble?
Deadly lesson: Warning about sexual asphyxiation
A delicate balance: Mental breakdowns & news coverage
The Fallen Servant: When a hero is not a hero
Handle with care: Priest murder story required extra sensitivity
It’s the principle, really: Timing and people’s money matter, too
Killing news: Responsible coverage of suicides
Maybe what seems so right is wrong: A medical condition media-generated money can’t cure
On the line: A reporter’s job vs. human decency
Red flag for badgering: Ombudsman takes sportswriter to task
Sharing the community’s grief: Little Rock news coverage of three teen-age suicides
Suffer the children: Was story on molestation worth the human cost?
The “super-crip” stereotype: Press victimization of disabled people
“And then he said *&%*!!!”: When sexist and vulgar remarks are new
When big is not better: Playing down a story for the community good
When the KKK comes calling: What’s the story?
Not the straight story: Can misleading readers ever be justified?

Workplace issues

Agreeing to disagree: How one newspaper handles off-hour activities
All in the family: When a journalist’s spouse creates a conflict of interests
Family feud: Handling conflicts between journalists and partners
Author! Author!: Ethical dilemmas when reporters turn author
The Bee that roared: Taking a stand for editorial independence
Brewing controversy: The commercialization of Linda Ellerbee
Building barriers: The case against financial involvement
Other views from librarians: When interests of client and newsroom conflict
The ethics of information selling: Problems for library reference services
Close to home: When your newsroom is part of the story
Family Ties: When are relationships relationships relevant?
How now, sacred cow?: United Way’s favored treatment by the media
The ties that bind: Publisher’s link to United Way raises questions
“Like any other story”: Can it be when it’s your union vs. your paper?
When your newspaper is the news: Editors discuss their experiences
Not friendly fire: News director at odds with CBS over story
Overdraft on credibility?: Reporter faces conflict-of-interest charges
Written rules can be hazardous: A lawyer views ethics codes
Project censored, sins of omission and the hardest “W” of all – “why”
Risking the newsroom’s image: How editors, in a good cause, can strain independence

Ethics Case Studies resources and social media channels

Princeton Dialogues on AI and Ethics

Princeton University

Case Studies

Princeton Dialogues on AI and Ethics Case Studies

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and their deployment in society gives rise to ethical dilemmas and hard questions. By situating ethical considerations in terms of real-world scenarios, case studies facilitate in-depth and multi-faceted explorations of complex philosophical questions about what is right, good and feasible. Case studies provide a useful jumping-off point for considering the various moral and practical trade-offs inherent in the study of practical ethics.

Case Study PDFs : The Princeton Dialogues on AI and Ethics has released six long-format case studies exploring issues at the intersection of AI, ethics and society. Three additional case studies are scheduled for release in spring 2019.

Methodology : The Princeton Dialogues on AI and Ethics case studies are unique in their adherence to five guiding principles: 1) empirical foundations, 2) broad accessibility, 3) interactiveness, 4) multiple viewpoints and 5) depth over brevity.

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Discussion Tools: Case Studies

Instructional tools that promote active, participatory learning are widely recognized as the most effective way to engage trainees, convey knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes.

What is Research Ethics

Why Teach Research Ethics

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Case Studies

Other Discussion Tools

Information about the history and authors of the Resources for Research Ethics Collection

Case studies are a tool for discussing scientific integrity. Although one of the most frequently used tools for encouraging discussion, cases are only one of many possible tools. Many of the principles discussed below for discussing case studies can be generalized to other approaches to encouraging discussion about research ethics. Cases are designed to confront readers with specific real-life problems that do not lend themselves to easy answers. Case discussion demands critical and analytical skills and, when implemented in small groups, also fosters collaboration (Pimple, 2002). By providing a focus for discussion, cases help trainees to define or refine their own standards, to appreciate alternative approaches to identifying and resolving ethical problems, and to develop skills for analyzing and dealing with hard problems on their own. The effective use of case studies is comprised of many factors, including:

appropriate selection of case(s) (topic, relevance, length, complexity)
method of case presentation (verbal, printed, before or during discussion)
format for case discussion (Email or Internet-based, small group, large group)
leadership of case discussion (choice of discussion leader, roles and responsibilities for discussion leader)
outcomes for case discussion (answers to specific questions, answers to general questions, written or verbal summaries)

Leading Case Discussions

For the sake of time and clarity of purpose, it is essential that one individual have responsibility for leading the group discussion. As a minimum, this responsibility should include:

Reading the case aloud.
Defining, and re-defining as needed, the questions to be answered.
Encouraging discussion that is "on topic".
Discouraging discussion that is "off topic".
Keeping the pace of discussion appropriate to the time available.
Eliciting contributions from all members of the discussion group.
Summarizing both majority and minority opinions at the end of the discussion.

How should cases be analyzed?

Who are the affected parties (individuals, institutions, a field, society) in this situation?
What interest(s) (material, financial, ethical, other) does each party have in the situation? Which interests are in conflict?
Were the actions taken by each of the affected parties acceptable (ethical, legal, moral, or common sense)? If not, are there circumstances under which those actions would have been acceptable? Who should impose what sanction(s)?
What other courses of action are open to each of the affected parties? What is the likely outcome of each course of action?
For each party involved, what course of action would you take, and why?
What actions could have been taken to avoid the conflict?

If consensus is not possible, then written or oral summaries should reflect majority and minority opinions.

Is there a right answer?

ACCEPTABLE SOLUTIONS: Most problems will have several acceptable solutions or answers, but it will not always be the case that a perfect solution can be found. At times, even the best solution will still have some unsatisfactory consequences. UNACCEPTABLE SOLUTIONS: While more than one acceptable solution may be possible, not all solutions are acceptable. For example, obvious violations of specific rules and regulations or of generally accepted standards of conduct would typically be unacceptable. However, it is also plausible that blind adherence to accepted rules or standards would sometimes be an unacceptable course of action.

Bebeau MJ with Pimple KD, Muskavitch KMT, Borden SL, Smith DH (1995): Moral Reasoning in Scientific Research: Cases for Teaching and Assessment . Indiana University.
Elliott D, Stern JE (1997): Research Ethics - A Reader. University Press of New England, Hanover, NH.
OEC Resources: Cases
Ellison, Karin and Karin Wellner. (2013) Research, Ethics, and Society Cases: Discussion Guide , Online Ethics Center.
The Case Method , Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Herreid CF: National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, State University of New York at Buffalo. This comprehensive site offers methodology, a case study collection, case study teachers, workshops, and links to additional resources. https://web.archive.org/web/20071006070923/http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/projects/cases/case.html
Korenman SG, Shipp AC (1994): Teaching the Responsible Conduct of Research through a Case Study Approach: A Handbook for Instructors. Association of American Medical Colleges, Washington, DC.
Macrina FL (2005): Scientific Integrity: An Introductory Text with Cases. 3rd edition, American Society for Microbiology Press, Washington, DC.
National Academy of Sciences (2009): On Being a Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research . 3rd Edition. Publication from the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. National Academy Press, Washington DC.
Penslar RL, ed. (1995): Research Ethics: Cases and Materials. Indiana University Press, Bloomington, IN.
Pimple, KD (2002): Using Case Studies in Teaching Research Ethics
Pimple KD (2002): Using Small Group Assignments in Teaching Research Ethics
Schrag B, ed. (1996-2007): Graduate Research Ethics: Cases and Commentaries , Volumes 1-7, Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, Bloomington, Indiana.

The Resources for Research Ethics Education site was originally developed and maintained by Dr. Michael Kalichman, Director of the Research Ethics Program at the University of California San Diego. The site was transferred to the Online Ethics Center in 2021 with the permission of the author.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2055332. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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O'Mathúna D, Iphofen R, editors. Ethics, Integrity and Policymaking: The Value of the Case Study [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2022. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-15746-2_1

Cover of Ethics, Integrity and Policymaking

Ethics, Integrity and Policymaking: The Value of the Case Study [Internet].

Chapter 1 making a case for the case: an introduction.

Dónal O’Mathúna and Ron Iphofen .

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Published online: November 3, 2022.

This chapter agues for the importance of case studies in generating evidence to guide and/or support policymaking across a variety of fields. Case studies can offer the kind of depth and detail vital to the nuances of context, which may be important in securing effective policies that take account of influences not easily identified in more generalised studies. Case studies can be written in a variety of ways which are overviewed in this chapter, and can also be written with different purposes in mind. At the same time, case studies have limitations, particularly when evidence of causation is sought. Understanding these can help to ensure that case studies are appropriately used to assist in policymaking. This chapter also provides an overview of the types of case studies found in the rest of this volume, and briefly summarises the themes and topics addressed in each of the other chapters.

1.1. Judging the Ethics of Research

When asked to judge the ethical issues involved in research or any evidence-gathering activity, any research ethicist worth their salt will (or should) reply, at least initially: ‘It depends’. This is neither sophistry nor evasive legalism. Instead, it is a specific form of casuistry used in ethics in which general ethical principles are applied to the specifics of actual cases and inferences made through analogy. It is valued as a structured yet flexible approach to real-world ethical challenges. Case study methods recognise the complexities of depth and detail involved in assessing research activities. Another way of putting this is to say: ‘Don’t ask me to make a judgement about a piece of research until I have the details of the project and the context in which it will or did take place.’ Understanding and fully explicating a context is vital as far as ethical research (and evidence-gathering) is concerned, along with taking account of the complex interrelationship between context and method (Miller and Dingwall 1997 ).

This rationale lies behind this collection of case studies which is one outcome from the EU-funded PRO-RES Project. 1 One aim of this project was to establish the virtues, values, principles and standards most commonly held as supportive of ethical practice by researchers, scientists and evidence-generators and users. The project team conducted desk research, workshops and consulted throughout the project with a wide range of stakeholders (PRO-RES 2021a ). The resulting Scientific, Trustworthy, and Ethical evidence for Policy (STEP) ACCORD was devised, which all stakeholders could sign up to and endorse in the interests of ensuring any policies which are the outcome of research findings are based upon ethical evidence (PRO-RES 2021b ).

By ‘ethical evidence’ we mean results and findings that have been generated by research and other activities during which the standards of research ethics and integrity have been upheld (Iphofen and O’Mathúna 2022 ). The first statement of the STEP ACCORD is that policy should be evidence-based, meaning that it is underpinned by high-quality research, analysis and evidence (PRO-RES 2021b ). While our topic could be said to be research ethics, we have chosen to refer more broadly to evidence-generating activities. Much debate has occurred over the precise definition of research under the apparent assumption that ‘non-research projects’ fall outside the purview of requirements to obtain ethics approval from an ethics review body. This debate is more about the regulation of research than the ethics of research and has contributed to an unbalanced approach to the ethics of research (O’Mathúna 2018 ). Research and evidence-generating activities raise many ethical concerns, some similar and some distinct. When the focus is primarily on which projects need to obtain what sort of ethics approval from which type of committee, the ethical issues raised by those activities themselves can receive insufficient attention. This can leave everyone involved with these activities either struggling to figure out how to manage complex and challenging ethical dilemmas or pushing ahead with those activities confident that their approval letter means they have fulfilled all their ethical responsibilities. Unfortunately, this can lead to a view that research ethics is an impediment and burden that must be overcome so that the important work in the research itself can get going.

The alternative perspective advocated by PRO-RES, and the authors of the chapters in this volume, is that ethics underpins all phases of research, from when the idea for a project is conceived, all the way through its design and implementation, and on to how its findings are disseminated and put into practice in individual decisions or in policy. Given the range of activities involved in all these phases, multiple types of ethical issues can arise. Each occurs in its own context of time and place, and this must be taken into account. While ethical principles and theories have important contributions to make at each of these points, case studies are also very important. These allow for the normative effects of various assumptions and declarations to be judged in context. We therefore asked the authors of this volume’s chapters to identify various case studies which would demonstrate the ethical challenges entailed in various types of research and evidence-generating activities. These illustrative case studies explore various innovative topics and fields that raise challenges requiring ethical reflection and careful policymaking responses. The cases highlight diverse ethical issues and provide lessons for the various options available for policymaking (see Sect. 1.6 . below). Cases are drawn from many fields, including artificial intelligence, space science, energy, data protection, professional research practice and pandemic planning. The issues are examined in different locations, including Europe, India, Africa and in global contexts. Each case is examined in detail and also helps to anticipate lessons that could be learned and applied in other situations where ethical evidence is needed to inform evidence-based policymaking.

1.2. The Case for Cases

Case studies have increasingly been used, particularly in social science (Exworthy and Powell 2012 ). Many reasons underlie this trend, one being the movement towards evidence-based practice. Case studies provide a methodology by which a detailed study can be conducted of a social unit, whether that unit is a person, an organization, a policy or a larger group or system (Exworthy and Powell 2012 ). The case study is amenable to various methodologies, mostly qualitative, which allow investigations via documentary analyses, interviews, focus groups, observations, and more.

At the same time, consensus is lacking over the precise nature of a case study. Various definitions have been offered, but Yin ( 2017 ) provides a widely cited definition with two parts. One is that a case study is an in-depth inquiry into a real-life phenomenon where the context is highly pertinent. The second part of Yin’s definition addresses the many variables involved in the case, the multiple sources of evidence explored, and the inclusion of theoretical propositions to guide the analysis. While Yin’s emphasis is on the case study as a research method, he identifies important elements of broader relevance that point to the particular value of the case study for examining ethical issues.

Other definitions of case studies emphasize their story or narrative aspects (Gwee 2018 ). These stories frequently highlight a dilemma in contextually rich ways, with an emphasis on how decisions can be or need to be made. Case studies are particularly helpful with ethical issues to provide crucial context and explore (and evaluate) how ethical decisions have been made or need to be made. Classic cases include the Tuskegee public health syphilis study, the Henrietta Lacks human cell line case, the Milgram and Zimbardo psychology cases, the Tea Room Trade case, and the Belfast Project in oral history research (examined here in Chap. 10 ). Cases exemplify core ethical principles, and how they were applied or misapplied; in addition, they examine how policies have worked well or not (Chaps. 2 , 3 and 5 ). Cases can examine ethics in long-standing issues (like research misconduct (Chap. 7 ), energy production (Chap. 8 ), or Chap. 11 ’s consideration of researchers breaking the law), or with innovations in need of further ethical reflection because of their novelty (like extended space flight (Chap. 9 ) and AI (Chaps. 13 and 14 ), with the latter looking at automation in legal systems). These case studies help to situate the innovations within the context of widely regarded ethical principles and theories, and allow comparisons to be made with other technologies or practices where ethical positions have been developed. In doing so, these case studies offer pointers and suggestions for policymakers given that they are the ones who will develop applicable policies.

1.3. Research Design and Causal Inference

Not everyone is convinced of the value of the case study. It must be admitted that they have limitations, which we will reflect on shortly. Yet we believe that others go too far in their criticisms, revealing instead some prejudices against the value of the case (Yin 2017 ). In what has become a classic text for research design, Campbell and Stanley ( 1963 ) have few good words for what they call the ‘One Shot Case Study.’ They rank it below two other ‘pre-experimental’ designs—the One-Group Pretest–Posttest and the Static-Group Comparison—and conclude that case studies “have such a total absence of control to be of almost no scientific value” (Campbell and Stanley 1963 , 6). The other designs have, in turn, a baseline and outcome measure and some degree of comparative analysis which provides them some validity. Such a criticism is legitimate if one prioritises the experimental method as the most superior in terms of effectiveness evidence and, as for Campbell and Stanley, one is striving to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions.

What is missing from that assessment is that different methodologies are more appropriate for different kinds of questions. Questions of causation and whether a particular treatment, policy or educational strategy is more effective than another are best answered by experimental methods. While experimental designs are better suited to explore causal relationships, case studies are more suited to explore “how” and “why” questions (Yin 2017 ). It can be more productive to view different methodologies as complementing one another, rather than examining them in hierarchical terms.

The case study approach draws on a long tradition in ethnography and anthropology: “It stresses the importance of holistic perspectives and so has more of a ‘humanistic’ emphasis. It recognises that there are multiple influences on any single individual or group and that most other methods neglect the thorough understanding of this range of influences. They usually focus on a chosen variable or variables which are tested in terms of their influence. A case study tends to make no initial assumptions about which are the key variables—preferring to allow the case to ‘speak for itself’” (Iphofen et al. 2009 , 275). This tradition has sometimes discouraged people from conducting or using case studies on the assumption that they take massive amounts of time and lead to huge reports. This is the case with ethnography, but the case study method can be applied in more limited settings and can lead to high-quality, concise reports.

Another criticism of case studies is that they cannot be used to make generalizations. Certainly, there are limits to their generalisability, but the same is true of experimental studies. One randomized controlled trial cannot be generalised to the whole population without ensuring that its details are evaluated in the context of how it was conducted.

Similarly, it should not be assumed that generalisability can adequately guide practice or policy when it comes to the specifics of an individual case. A case study should not be used to support statistical generalizations (that the same percentage found in the case will be found in the general public). But a case study can be used to expand and generalize theories and thus have much usefulness. It affords a method of examining the specific (complex) interactions occurring in a case which can only be known from the details. Such an analysis can be carried out for individuals, policies or interventions.

The current COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the dangers of generalising in the wrong context. Some people have very mild cases of COVID-19 or are asymptomatic. Others get seriously ill and even die. Sometimes people generalise from cases they know and assume they will have mild symptoms. Then they refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine, basically generalising from similar cases. Mass vaccination is recommended for the sake of the health of the public (generalised health) and to limit the spread of a deadly virus. Cases are reported of people having adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, and some people generalise from these that they will not take whatever risks might be involved in receiving the vaccine themselves. It might be theoretically possible to discover which individuals WILL react adversely to immunisation on a population level. But it is highly complex and expensive to do so, and takes an extensive period of time. Given the urgency of benefitting the health of ‘the public’, policymakers have decided that the risks to a sub-group are warranted. Only after the emergence of epidemiological data disclosing negative effects of some vaccines on some individuals will it become more clear which characteristics typify those cases which are likely to experience the adverse effects, and more accurately quantify the risks of experiencing those effects.

Much literature now points to the advantages and disadvantages of case studies (Gomm et al. 2000 ), and how to use them and conduct them with adequate rigour to ensure the validity of the evidence generated (Schell 1992 ; Yin 2011 , 2017 ). At the same time, legitimate critiques have been made of some case studies because they have been conducted without adequate rigor, in unsystematic ways, or in ways that allowed bias to have more influence than evidence (Hammersley 2001 ). Part of the problem here is similar to interviewing, where some will assume that since interviews are a form of conversation, anyone can do it. Case studies have some similarities to stories, but that doesn’t mean they are quick and easy ways to report on events. That view can lead to the situation where “most people feel that they can prepare a case study, and nearly all of us believe we can understand one. Since neither view is well founded, the case study receives a lot of approbation it does not deserve” (Hoaglin et al., cited in Yin 2017 , 16).

Case studies can be conducted and used in a wide range of ways (Gwee 2018 ). Case studies can be used as a research method, as a teaching tool, as a way of recording events so that learning can be applied to practice, and to facilitate practical problem-solving skills (Luck et al. 2006 ). Significant differences exist between a case study that was developed and used in research compared to one used for teaching (Yin 2017 ). A valid rationale for studying a ‘case’ should be provided so that it is clear that the proposed method is suitable to the topic and subject being studied. The unit of study for a case could be an individual person, social group, community, or society. Sometimes that specific case alone will constitute the actual research project. Thus, the study could be of one individual’s experience, with insights and understanding gained of the individual’s situation which could be of use to understand others’ experiences. Often there will be attempts made at a comparison between cases—one organisation being compared to another, with both being studied in some detail, and in terms of the same or similar criteria. Given this variety, it is important to use cases in ways appropriate to how they were generated.

The case study continues to be an important piece of evidence in clinical decision-making in medicine and healthcare. Here, case studies do not demonstrate causation or effectiveness, but are used as an important step in understanding the experiences of patients, particularly with a new or confusing set of symptoms. This was clearly seen as clinicians published case studies describing a new respiratory infection which the world now knows to be COVID-19. Only as case studies were generated, and the patterns brought together in larger collections of cases, did the characteristics of the illness come to inform those seeking to diagnose at the bedside (Borges do Nascimento et al. 2020 ). Indeed case studies are frequently favoured in nursing, healthcare and social work research where professional missions require a focus on the care of the individual and where cases facilitate making use of the range of research paradigms (Galatzer-Levy et al. 2000 ; Mattaini 1996 ; Gray 1998 ; Luck et al. 2006 ).

1.4. Devil’s in the Detail

Our main concern in this collection is not with case study aetiology but rather to draw on the advantages of the method to highlight key ethical issues related to the use of evidence in influencing policy. Thus, we make no claim to causal ‘generalisation’ on the basis of these reports—but instead we seek to help elucidate ethics issues, if even theoretical, and anticipate responses and obstacles in similar situations and contexts that might help decision-making in novel circumstances. A key strength of case studies is their capacity to connect abstract theoretical concepts to the complex realities of practice and the real world (Luck et al. 2006 ). Ethics cases clearly fit this description and allow the contextual details of issues and dilemmas to be included in discussions of how ethical principles apply as policy is being developed.

Since cases are highly focussed on the specifics of the situation, more time can be given over to data gathering which may be of both qualitative and quantitative natures. Given the many variables involved in the ‘real life’ setting, increased methodological flexibility is required (Yin 2017 ). This means seeking to maximise the data sources—such as archives (personal and public), records (such as personal diaries), observations (participant and covert) and interviews (face-to-face and online)—and revisiting all sources when necessary and as case participants and time allows.

1.5. Cases and Policymaking

Case studies allow researchers and practitioners to learn from the specifics of a situation and apply that learning in similar situations. Ethics case studies allow such reflection to facilitate the development of ethical decision-making skills. This volume has major interests in ethics and evidence-generation (research), but also in a third area: policymaking. Cases can influence policymaking, such as how one case can receive widespread attention and become the impetus to create policy that aims to prevent similar cases. For example, the US federal Brady Law was enacted in 1993 to require background checks on people before they purchase a gun (ATF 2021 ). The law was named for White House Press Secretary James Brady, and his case became widely known in the US. He was shot and paralyzed during John Hinckley, Jr.’s 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Another example, this time in a research context, was how the Tuskegee Syphilis Study led, after its public exposure in 1971, to the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare appointing an expert panel to examine the ethics of that case. This resulted in federal policymakers enacting the National Research Act in 1974, which included setting up a national commission that published the Belmont Report in 1976. This report continues to strongly influence research ethics practice around the world. These examples highlight the power of a case study to influence policymaking.

One of the challenges for policymakers, though, is that compelling cases can often be provided for opposite sides of an issue. Also, while the Belmont Report has been praised for articulating a small number of key ethical principles, how those principles should be applied in specific instances of research remains an ongoing challenge and a point of much discussion. This is particularly relevant for innovative techniques and technologies. Hence the importance of cases interacting with general principles and leading to ongoing reflection and debate over the applicable cases. At the same time, new areas of research and evidence generation activities will lead to questions about how existing ethical principles and values apply. New case studies can help to facilitate that reflection, which can then allow policymakers to consider whether existing policy should be adapted or whether whole new areas of policy are needed.

Case studies also can play an important role in learning from and evaluating policy. Policymakers tend to focus on practical, day-to-day concerns and with the introduction of new programmes (Exworthy and Peckam 2012 ). Time and resources may be scant when it comes to evaluating how well existing policies are performing or reflecting on how policies can be adapted to overcome shortcomings (Hunter 2003 ). Effective policies may exist elsewhere (historically or geographically) and be more easily adapted to a new context instead of starting policymaking from scratch. Case studies can permit learning from past policies (or situations where policies did not exist), and they can illuminate various factors that should be explored in more detail in the context of the current issue or situation. Chaps. 2 , 3 and 5 in this volume are examples of this type of case study.

1.6. The Moral Gain

This volume reflects the ambiguity of ethical dilemmas in contemporary policymaking. Analyses will reflect current debates where consensus has not been achieved yet. These cases illustrate key points made throughout the PRO-RES project: that ethical decision-making is a fluid enterprise, where values, principles and standards must constantly be applied to new situations, new events and new research developments. The cases illustrate how no ‘one point’ exists in the research process where judgements about ethics can be regarded as ‘final.’ Case studies provide excellent ways for readers to develop important decision-making skills.

Research produces novel products and processes which can have broad implications for society, the environment and relationships. Research methods themselves are modified or applied in new ways and places, requiring further ethical reflection. New topics and whole fields of research develop and require careful evaluation and thoughtful responses. New case studies are needed because research constantly generates new issues and new ethics questions for policymaking.

The cases found in this volume address a wide range of topics and involve several disciplines. The cases were selected by the parameters of the PRO-RES project and the Horizon 2020 funding call to which it responded. First, the call was concerned with both research ethics and scientific integrity and each of the cases addresses one or both of these areas. The call sought projects that addressed non-medical research, and the cases here address disciplines such as social sciences, engineering, artificial intelligence and One Health. The call also sought particular attention be given to (a) covert research, (b) working in dangerous areas/conflict zones and (c) behavioral research collecting data from social media/internet sources. Hence, we included cases that addressed each of these areas. Finally, while an EU-funded project can be expected to have a European focus, the issues addressed have global implications. Therefore, we wanted to include cases studies from outside Europe and did so by involving authors from India and Africa to reflect on the volume’s areas of interest.

The first case study offered in this volume (Chap. 2 ) examines a significant policy approach taken by the European Union to address ethics and integrity in research and innovation: Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). This chapter examines the lessons that can be learned from RRI in a European context. Chapter 3 elaborates on this topic with another policy learning case study, but this time examining RRI in India. One of the critiques made of RRI is that it can be Euro-centric. This case study examines this claim, and also describes how a distinctively Indian concept, Scientific Temper, can add to and contextualise RRI. Chapter 4 takes a different approach in being a case study of the development of research ethics guidance in the United Kingdom (UK). It explores the history underlying the research ethics framework commissioned by the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) and the Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA), and points to lessons that can be learned about the policy-development process itself.

While staying focused on policy related to research ethics, the chapters that follow include case studies that address more targeted concerns. Chapter 5 examines the impact of the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the Republic of Croatia. Research data collected in Croatia is used to explore the handling of personal data before and after the introduction of GDPR. This case study aims to provide lessons learned that could contribute to research ethics policies and procedures in other European Member States.

Chapter 6 moves from policy itself to the role of policy advisors in policymaking. This case study explores the distinct responsibilities of those elevated to the role of “policy advisor,” especially given the current lack of policy to regulate this field or how its advice is used by policymakers. Next, Chap. 7 straddles the previous chapters’ focus on policy and its evaluation while introducing the focus of the next section on historical case studies. This chapter uses the so-called “race for the superconductor” as a case study by which the PRO-RES ethics framework is used to explore specific ethical dilemmas (PRO-RES 2021b ). This case study is especially useful for policymakers because of how it reveals the multiple difficulties in balancing economic, political, institutional and professional requirements and values.

The next case study continues the use of historical cases, but here to explore the challenges facing innovative research into unorthodox energy technology that has the potential to displace traditional energy suppliers. The wave power case in Chap. 8 highlights how conducting research with integrity can have serious consequences and come with considerable cost. The case also points to the importance of transparency in how evidence is used in policymaking so that trust in science and scientists is promoted at the same time as science is used in the public interest. Another area of cutting-edge scientific innovation is explored in Chap. 9 , but this time looking to the future. This case study examines space exploration, and specifically the ethical issues around establishing safe exposure standards for astronauts embarking on extended duration spaceflights. This case highlights the ethical challenges in policymaking focused on an elite group of people (astronauts) who embark on extremely risky activities in the name of science and humanity.

Chapter 10 moves from the physical sciences to the social sciences. The Belfast Project provides a case study to explore the ethical challenges of conducting research after violent conflict. In this case, researchers promised anonymity and confidentiality to research participants, yet that was overturned through legal proceedings which highlighted the limits of confidentiality in research. This case points to the difficulty of balancing the value of research archives in understanding conflict against the value of providing juridical evidence to promote justice. Another social science case is examined in Chap. 11 , this time in ethnography. This so-called ‘urban explorer’ case study explores the justifications that might exist for undertaking covert research where researchers break the law (in this case by trespassing) in order to investigate a topic that would remain otherwise poorly understood. This case raises a number of important questions for policymakers around: the freedoms that researchers should be given to act in the public interest; when researchers are justified in breaking the law; and what responsibilities and consequences researchers should accept if they believe they are justified in doing so.

Further complexity in research and evidence generation is introduced in Chap. 12 . A case study in One Health is used to explore ethical issues at the intersection of animal, human and environmental ethics. The pertinence of such studies has been highlighted by COVID-19, yet policies lag behind in recognising the urgency and complexity of initiating investigations into novel outbreaks, such as the one discussed here that occurred among animals in Ethiopia. Chapter 13 retains the COVID-19 setting, but returns the attention to technological innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the focus of these two chapters in the volume, here examining the ethical challenges arising from the emergency authorisation of using AI to respond to the public health needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapter 14 addresses a longer term use of AI in addressing problems and challenges in the legal system. Using the so-called Robodebt case, the chapter explores the reasons why legal systems are turning to AI and other automated procedures. The Robodebt case highlights problems when AI algorithms are built on inaccurate assumptions and implemented with little human oversight. This case shows the massive problems for hundreds of thousands of Australians who became victims of poorly conceived AI and makes recommendations to assist policymakers to avoid similar debacles. The last chapter (Chap. 15 ) draws some general conclusions from all the cases that are relevant when using case studies.

1.7. Into the Future

This volume focuses on ethics in research and professional integrity and how we can be clear about the lessons that can be drawn to assist policymakers. The cases provided cover a wide range of situations, settings, and disciplines. They cover international, national, organisational, group and individual levels of concern. Each case raises distinct issues, yet also points to some general features of research, evidence-generation, ethics and policymaking. All the studies illustrate the difficulties of drawing clear ‘boundaries’ between the research and the context. All these case studies show how in real situations dynamic judgements have to be made about many different issues. Guidelines and policies do help and are needed. But at the same time, researchers, policymakers and everyone else involved in evidence generation and evidence implementation need to embody the virtues that are central to good research. Judgments will need to be made in many areas, for example, about how much transparency can be allowed, or is ethically justified; how much risk can be taken, both with participants’ safety and also with the researchers’ safety; how much information can be disclosed to or withheld from participants in their own interests and for the benefit of the ‘science’; and many others. All of these point to just how difficult it can be to apply common standards across disciplines, professions, cultures and countries. That difficulty must be acknowledged and lead to open discussions with the aim of improving practice. The cases presented here point to efforts that have been made towards this. None of them is perfect. Lessons must be learned from all of them, towards which Chap. 15 aims to be a starting point. Only by openly discussing and reflecting on past practice can lessons be learned that can inform policymaking that aims to improve future practice. In this way, ethical progress can become an essential aspect of innovation in research and evidence-generation.

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Exworthy, Mark, and Martin Powell. 2012. Case studies in health policy: an introduction. In Shaping health policy: case study methods and analysis , ed. Mark Exworthy, Stephen Peckham, Martin Powell, and Alison Hann, 3–20. Bristol, UK: Policy Press.
Galatzer-Levy, R.M., Bachrach, H., Skolnikoff, A., and Wadlron, S. Jr. 2000. The single case method. In Does Psychoanalysis Work? , 230–242. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
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PRO-RES is a European Commission-funded project aiming to PROmote ethics and integrity in non-medical RESearch by building a supported guidance framework for all non-medical sciences and humanities disciplines adopting social science methodologies. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 788352. Open access fees for this volume were paid for through the PRO-RES funding.

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

Cite this Page O’Mathúna D, Iphofen R. Making a Case for the Case: An Introduction. 2022 Nov 3. In: O'Mathúna D, Iphofen R, editors. Ethics, Integrity and Policymaking: The Value of the Case Study [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2022. Chapter 1. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-15746-2_1
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In this Page

Judging the Ethics of Research
The Case for Cases
Research Design and Causal Inference
Devil’s in the Detail
Cases and Policymaking
The Moral Gain
Into the Future

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Robecca: AI ethics in action

She helps shape the defence and security landscape with her work on the ethics, law and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

Serving her country is literally in her DNA.

With multiple family connections to the military Robecca grew up with a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve her country.

She specialises in the ethics, law and governance of AI -enabled defence and security capabilities, and said she is proud to work for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory ( Dstl ) with its focus on keeping our Armed Forces safe.

AI Ethics in Action

Robecca said:

“My family connections to the military have been a source of inspiration for me to come and work for Dstl .

“It is that sense of shared values…sense of duty and service is something we share in common even though I am not in uniform.

“I wanted to do something meaningful with my life and give back to my country. Working for Dstl is my way of doing that.”

Robecca’s career

After graduating with a first-class honours degree in forensic psychobiology Robecca worked at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

Building on her experience in the defence industry, her Dstl career began at the organisations’s Salisbury headquarters 7 years ago, before she worked remotely for 18 months from a military base in New York, USA, as a military spouse.

After returning to the UK, Robecca joined the inaugural Newcastle team when the new site opened in 2022 and where her work helps shape the defence and security landscape.

“I work at the intersection of what technology can do and what technology should do.

“I make sure that the checks and balances - in terms of ethics, laws, international standards and regulations - are applied to the development and use of artificial intelligence.

“The most exciting thing about my role is working directly with development teams on novel AI capabilities.”

Robecca also says that the rapid evolution of both AI and its surrounding ethical, legal and regulatory landscape make this a complex but critical responsibility.

While on maternity leave, Robecca learned that she had been named one of the global 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics 2024 – an accolade recognising her dedication to this work.

“I work with a lot of really clever people that I admire. I have made a particular effort recently to try and find mentors from other organisations as well; people whose careers I may want to follow. It’s important to show, particularly younger women maybe just starting out in their careers or at secondary school, that there are opportunities like this for people like you.”

Her day in the office can range from leading international workshops to taking part in research trials in the field, with military personnel, and land, air and sea platforms.

Running a Five Eyes workshop

“I’m most proud of a workshop I ran with about 80 military lawyers and academics from across the Five Eyes - that’s the UK, the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

“That was an opportunity for these lawyers to work together on legal reviews of AI -enabled weapons; exploring the similarities and differences of our approaches, in order to foresee challenges and opportunities to interoperability so that if we were deployed on allied missions, how we might use, share or transfer capabilities or where tensions and difficulties may emerge.

“I’m proud of that because I’m not a lawyer. I almost felt I didn’t deserve at the table but I ended up leading it.”

In her free time, Robecca likes to travel and writes poetry for her children. However, some of her most exciting challenges have come through work.

Highlight of working at Dstl

“The coolest thing I have done at Dstl was probably collecting data during a military exercise which was hosted in a fort, on a cliff edge. We had Blackhawk helicopters popping up out of nowhere, Chinooks flying overhead, and there was a ship at sea.

“In the pitch black we were standing at the top of this fort looking down on an ‘attack’ unfolding. The only way we could see what was going on was by the red of the flare in the sky.

“I remember thinking to myself ‘I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this because this is something I would have paid to experience.’ It was extraordinary. And that’s exactly the kind of career I want!”

Learn more about Dstl ’s pioneering AI work.

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Alfie Evans Case – A Medical Ethics Case Study

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Consequences of the Alfie Evans Case

Ethics of the alfie evans case:.

Ethical principles demonstrated in this case include :

Alfie was a child; hence, his parents made decisions regarding his health.
The hospital argued that the parents' decision was not in Alfie’s best interest by the 1989 Children’s Act.

Best Interest

The Supreme Court ruled that Alfie’s best interests would be to die with “peace, quiet and privacy.”
End-of-life care is costly. Each year on life support would be 0.1 QALY (quality-adjusted life years), which equates to approximately 150000 pounds a year. The cost per QALY is around 2 million pounds, much higher than the 30000 pounds recommended by NICE. The resources used for one patient may improve the lives of many other patients if spent in different healthcare areas. However, much money was raised privately, meaning the funds could not be redistributed.

Medical Schools Ethics Question: Alfie Evans

We will now examine an example interview question . You are unlikely to be asked to simply describe the case; instead, you will be expected to use cases like this one as an example.

Example Question:

What are the effects of social media on high-profile cases in the NHS?

Model Answer:

Alfie Evan’s case is an example of a high-profile case in the media. He had a degenerative neurological condition and was on a ventilator. The parents wanted to keep him on life support, but the hospital took the case to the High Court, and this ultimately ended in the court ruling with the hospital and Alfie ’ s life support being turned off. This case was a significant news story , with the family even meeting the pope about moving Alfie to Italy for continued life support.

Public members joined Alfie ’ s Army social media campaign, resulting in followers congregating regularly outside the hospital. This resulted in staff feeling intimidated and often facing abuse from the protesters. The police launched an investigation following this; however, staff recruitment at the hospital was reduced due to the nature of the incidents. There was low morale among teams at the time as the medical professionals were treated in a hostile manner by the public. There were also internet theories that said the withdrawal of treatment was cost-driven – even though this was not proven and resulted in mistrust by the public of the NHS.

I believe social media can have various effects in high-profile cases, such as the Alfie Evan case. It resulted in staff feeling unsafe in their workplace. Though it was nice to see the community come together in this case, some hostile behaviour resulted in the police being involved. Plus , due to confidentiality requirements by medical professionals, the public felt that they weren ’ t receiving all the information, leading to public mistrust.

While this answer doesn ’ t cover all of the points of the case, it doesn ’ t need to. An answer like this is detailed enough to demonstrate your understanding of the case while providing your own personal insight and answering the question effectively.

Whether you ’ re being asked a general question like this or a question more specific to a case, this approach will ensure you have provided a satisfactory response .

This is a slightly older case, so I suggest researching more recent examples of stories with heavy themes of ethics. They may not have been as impactful as this case was, but they still demonstrate that you follow the news and have an interest in the current state of medicine. We also have a whole selection of medical ethics guides and case studies available for free , so be sure to check them out!

I hope this guide has been useful for you, and if you want to work with medicine tutors like myself one-to-one, be sure to check out 6med ’ s Interview Tutoring Bundles . As well as tuition hours, you ’ ll have access to extensive materials and live crash courses – everything you need for interview success. You can speak with our friendly team today by booking a free consultation!

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Leadership Ethics Cases
Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
Focus Areas
Leadership Ethics
Leadership Ethics Resources

Find ethical case studies on leadership ethics, including scenarios for top management on issues such as downsizing and management responsibilities. (For permission to reprint articles, submit requests to [email protected] .)

The importance of academic institutions in shaping the societal narrative is increasingly showcased by constant media exposure and continuous requests for social commentary. This case study outlines effective methodologies of leadership, ethics, and change management within an organization, for the purpose of motivating and engaging stakeholders to empathize with and carry out a shared directive.

Extensive teaching note based on interviews with Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz. The teaching note can be used to explore issues around whistleblowing, leadership, the blocks to ethical behavior inside organizations, and board governance.

Case study on the history making GameStop short and stock price surge that occurred during January 2021.

What did Urban Meyer know and when did he know it?

Case study explores Kevin Johnson's response to an incident where two African Americans were asked to leave a Philadelphia Starbucks.

Three examples of CEOs whose leadership of their firm has been called into question over matters of their personal integrity and behavior.

What should business leaders take away from the disaster?

Business & government struggle over encryption’s proper place.

In many ways, WorldCom is just another case of failed corporate governance, accounting abuses, and outright greed.

Critical Legal Thinking Case Study 3

McCombs School of Business

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Videos Concepts Unwrapped View All 36 short illustrated videos explain behavioral ethics concepts and basic ethics principles. Concepts Unwrapped: Sports Edition View All 10 short videos introduce athletes to behavioral ethics concepts. Ethics Defined (Glossary) View All 58 animated videos - 1 to 2 minutes each - define key ethics terms and concepts. Ethics in Focus View All One-of-a-kind videos highlight the ethical aspects of current and historical subjects. Giving Voice To Values View All Eight short videos present the 7 principles of values-driven leadership from Gentile's Giving Voice to Values. In It To Win View All A documentary and six short videos reveal the behavioral ethics biases in super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff's story. Scandals Illustrated View All 30 videos - one minute each - introduce newsworthy scandals with ethical insights and case studies. Video Series

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Professional Ethics

Professionals work in a wide variety of settings and across many different industries including business, science, medicine, education, art, and public service.

Many professions have Codes of Conduct that specify ethical behavior and expectations particular to that industry. In addition, professionals must make ethical judgments in their area of specialty that fall outside their specific Code of Conduct.

The resources in this section offer insights that apply to a wide range of professionals as they seek to develop standards of ethical decision-making and behavior in their careers. Often, professionals need to apply moral reasoning to their interactions with co-workers, clients, and the general public to solve problems that arise in their work. Professionals also need to be on lookout for social and organizational pressures and situational factors that could cause them to err, unknowingly, in their ethical judgments and actions.

No profession is free from ethical dilemmas. All professionals will face ethical issues regardless of their career trajectory or the role they play within an organization. While Codes of Conduct are essential, and a good starting point for ethical conduct, they are no substitute for a well-rounded education in behavioral and applied ethics.

Start Here: Videos

Role Morality

Role morality is the tendency we have to use different moral standards for the different roles we play in society.

Bounded Ethicality

Bounded ethicality explains how social pressures and psychological processes cause us to behave in ways that are inconsistent with our own values.

Being Your Best Self, Part 4: Moral Action

Moral action means transforming the intent to do the right thing into reality. This involves moral ownership, moral efficacy, and moral courage.

Start Here: Cases

Freedom vs. Duty in Clinical Social Work

What should social workers do when their personal values come in conflict with the clients they are meant to serve?

High Stakes Testing

In the wake of the No Child Left Behind Act, parents, teachers, and school administrators take different positions on how to assess student achievement.

Healthcare Obligations: Personal vs. Institutional

A medical doctor must make a difficult decision when informing patients of the effectiveness of flu shots while upholding institutional recommendations.

Teaching Notes

Begin by viewing the “Start Here” videos. They introduce key topics that commonly emerge in our careers, such as making ethical decisions based on the role we’re playing at work. The four-part video, Being Your Best Self , describes the four components of ethical decision-making and action. To help strengthen ethical decision-making skills, watch the behavioral ethics videos in the “Additional Videos” section to learn about the psychological biases that can often lead to making poor choices.

Read through these videos’ teaching notes for details and related ethics concepts. Watch the “Related Videos” and/or read the related Case Study. The video’s “Additional Resources” offer further reading and a bibliography.

To use these resources in the classroom, show a video in class, assign a video to watch outside of class, or embed a video in an online learning module such as Canvas. Then, prompt conversation in class to encourage peer-to-peer learning. Ask students to answer the video’s “Discussion Questions,” and to reflect on the ideas and issues raised by the students in the video. How do their experiences align? How do they differ? The videos also make good writing prompts. Ask students to watch a video and apply the ethics concept to course content.

The case studies offer examples of professionals facing tough ethical decisions or ethically questionable situations in their careers in teaching, science, politics, and social services. Cases are an effective way to introduce ethics topics, and for people to learn how to spot ethical issues.

Select a case study from the Cases Series or find one in the “Additional Cases” section that resonates with your industry or profession. Then, reason through the ethical dimensions presented, and sketch the ethical decision-making process outlined by the case. Challenge yourself (and/or your team at work) to develop strategies to avoid these ethical pitfalls. Watch the case study’s “Related Videos” and “Related Terms” for further understanding.

To use the case studies in the classroom, ask students to read a video’s “Case Study” and answer the case study “Discussion Questions.” Then, follow the strategy outlined in the previous paragraph, challenging students to develop strategies to avoid the ethical pitfalls presented in the case.

Ethics Unwrapped blogs are also useful prompts to engage colleagues or students in discussions about ethics. Learning about ethics in the context of real-world (often current) events can enliven conversation and make ethics relevant and concrete. Share a blog in a meeting or class or post one to the company intranet or the class’s online learning module. To spur discussion, try to identify the ethical issues at hand and to name the ethics concepts related to the blog (or current event in the news). Dig more deeply into the topic using the Additional Resources listed at the end of the blog post.

Remember to review video, case study, and blogs’ relevant glossary terms. In this way, you will become familiar with all the ethics concepts contained in these material. Share this vocabulary with your colleagues or students, and use it to expand and enrich ethics and leadership conversations. To dive deeper in the glossary, watch “Related” glossary videos.

Many of the concepts covered in Ethics Unwrapped operate in tandem with each other. As you watch more videos, you will become more fluent in ethics and see the interrelatedness of ethics concepts more readily. You also will be able to spot ethical issues more easily – at least, that is the hope! It will also be easier to express your ideas and thoughts about what is and isn’t ethical and why. Hopefully, you will also come to realize the interconnectedness of ethics and leadership, and the essential role ethics plays in developing solid leadership skills that can advance your professional career.

Additional Videos

Self-serving Bias
Moral Equilibrium
Conflict of Interest
In It To Win: The Jack Abramoff Story
In It To Win: Jack & Framing
In It To Win: Jack & Rationalizations
In It To Win: Jack & Self-Serving Bias
In It To Win: Jack & Role Morality
In It To Win: Jack & Moral Equilibrium
Intro to GVV
GVV Pillar 1: Values
GVV Pillar 2: Choice
GVV Pillar 3: Normalization
GVV Pillar 4: Purpose
GVV Pillar 5: Self-Knowledge & Alignment
GVV Pillar 6: Voice
GVV Pillar 7: Reasons & Rationalizations
Obedience to Authority
Loss Aversion
Intro to Behavioral Ethics
Moral Muteness
Moral Myopia
Being Your Best Self, Part 1: Moral Awareness
Being Your Best Self, Part 2: Moral Decision Making
Being Your Best Self, Part 3: Moral Intent
Legal Rights & Ethical Responsibilities

Additional Cases

Liberal arts & fine arts.

A Million Little Pieces
Approaching the Presidency: Roosevelt & Taft
Pardoning Nixon

Science & Engineering

Retracting Research: The Case of Chandok v. Klessig
Arctic Offshore Drilling

Social Science

The CIA Leak
Edward Snowden: Traitor or Hero?
The Costco Model
The Collapse of Barings Bank
Teaching Blackface: A Lesson on Stereotypes
Cyber Harassment
Cheating: Atlanta’s School Scandal

Communication & Journalism

Dr. V’s Magical Putter
Limbaugh on Drug Addiction
Reporting on Robin Williams
Covering Yourself? Journalists and the Bowl Championship
Sports Blogs: The Wild West of Sports Journalism?
Cheney v. U.S. District Court
Negotiating Bankruptcy
Patient Autonomy & Informed Consent
Prenatal Diagnosis & Parental Choice

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Gaming the System: The VA Scandal
Krogh & the Watergate Scandal

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Business Law and Corporate Ethics

Business law and corporate ethics are fundamental components of successful business operations. A thorough understanding of legal principles and regulations informs ethical decision-making, promoting a culture of accountability and transparency. Effective management of contract disputes, compliance with laws and regulations, and stakeholder expectations are vital aspects of business law. Corporate ethics involves more than just compliance, requiring a deep commitment to doing what is right. By integrating ethics into daily operations, businesses can foster a positive impact on society and mitigate risk. As we explore the intricacies of business law and corporate ethics, the importance of these concepts becomes increasingly clear.

Table of Contents

Understanding Business Law Basics

At its core, business law comprises the vast array of rules, regulations, and standards that govern commercial transactions and activities, providing a framework for businesses to operate within. This complex and multifaceted field spans various aspects, including contract law, tort law, and regulatory compliance. A fundamental understanding of business law is crucial for companies to navigate the complexities of commercial transactions and minimize the risk of disputes.

Contract disputes are a common occurrence in business, often arising from misunderstandings or breaches of contractual obligations. In such cases, business litigation may be necessary to resolve the dispute and protect the interests of the parties involved. Effective management of contract disputes requires a deep understanding of contractual terms, as well as the legal framework governing commercial transactions. By grasping the basics of business law, companies can better navigate the complexities of contract disputes and business litigation, ensuring that their commercial activities are conducted in a legally sound and compliant manner.

Corporate Ethics in Practice

In the pursuit of long-term success, businesses must integrate corporate ethics into their daily operations, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency that permeates every level of the organization. This requires moral leadership that sets the tone for ethical behavior, ensuring that employees understand the importance of upholding the company's values and principles. Effective corporate ethics in practice involve more than just compliance with laws and regulations; they require a deep commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Stakeholder expectations play a significant role in shaping corporate ethics in practice. Businesses must consider the needs and concerns of their stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the broader community. By prioritizing stakeholder expectations, companies can build trust and credibility, enhance their reputation, and ultimately drive long-term success. A well-implemented corporate ethics program can help businesses navigate complex ethical dilemmas, mitigate risk, and create a positive impact on society. By integrating corporate ethics into their daily operations, businesses can reap the rewards of a strong reputation, improved relationships, and sustained success.

Compliance and Regulatory Issues

In the domain of compliance and regulatory issues, businesses must navigate a complex landscape of laws, regulations, and standards that govern their operations. Effective management of this environment requires a thorough analysis of the regulatory landscape, proactive legal risk management, and the establishment of clear compliance officer roles. By understanding and addressing these key aspects, organizations can guarantee adherence to relevant laws and regulations, thereby minimizing the risk of non-compliance and its associated consequences.

Regulatory Environment Analysis

The regulatory environment in which businesses operate is shaped by a complex web of laws, regulations, and standards that dictate the minimum acceptable standards of conduct and practice. This environment is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay informed to remain compliant. Government policies and industry standards play a significant role in shaping the regulatory environment. Government policies provide the framework for regulations, while industry standards provide guidelines for best practices.


Government Policies	Laws and regulations enacted by the government	Dictates minimum standards of conduct and practice
Industry Standards	Guidelines for best practices within an industry	Influences business operations and decision-making
International Agreements	Agreements between countries that impact business operations	Affects business strategy and global expansion

A thorough analysis of the regulatory environment is vital for businesses to identify potential risks and opportunities. By understanding the regulatory landscape, businesses can develop strategies to comply with regulations, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities. This analysis is pivotal for businesses to maintain a competitive edge and guarantee long-term sustainability.

Legal Risk Management

Effective legal risk management is crucial for businesses to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, as non-compliance can result in severe reputational, financial, and operational consequences. To mitigate these risks, companies must adopt a proactive approach to identifying and evaluating potential legal risks. This involves conducting thorough risk evaluations to identify areas of vulnerability and prioritizing mitigation strategies accordingly. Litigation strategies should also be developed to address potential legal disputes, ensuring that the company is prepared to respond effectively in the event of legal action.

An exhaustive legal risk management framework should be integrated into the company's overall governance structure, with clear policies, procedures, and accountability mechanisms in place. This includes establishing a robust compliance program, conducting regular audits and monitoring, and providing training and education to employees on legal and regulatory requirements. By adopting a proactive and integrated approach to legal risk management, businesses can minimize the risk of non-compliance, reduce the likelihood of legal disputes, and protect their reputation and bottom line.

Compliance Officer Roles

Beyond mere risk identification, companies must designate a dedicated compliance officer to oversee and implement regulatory compliance measures, verifying that legal requirements are met and potential issues are addressed proactively. This officer plays a vital role in developing and maintaining a compliance program that is tailored to the organization's specific needs and risk profile.

The compliance officer's responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures
Conducting regular compliance audits and risk assessments to identify areas for improvement
Providing training and guidance to employees on compliance matters, verifying that they understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a culture of compliance

Effective officer empowerment is critical to the success of a compliance program. This involves providing the compliance officer with the necessary authority, resources, and support to carry out their duties effectively. By doing so, companies can guarantee that their compliance metrics are met, and their regulatory obligations are fulfilled. A well-empowered compliance officer can help organizations navigate the complex regulatory landscape, minimize the risk of non-compliance, and promote a culture of ethical behavior.

Ethics in the Workplace Culture

Nearly 75% of employees consider ethics in the workplace culture to be a critical factor in their job satisfaction and overall performance. This underscores the significance of fostering an ethical work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute to the organization's success. A workplace culture that prioritizes ethics guarantees fair treatment of all employees, promoting a sense of trust, inclusivity, and equality. In such an environment, employees are more likely to adhere to a moral compass, making decisions that align with the organization's values and principles. This, in turn, enhances their job satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being. Additionally, an ethical workplace culture encourages open communication, accountability, and transparency, which are vital for building strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and partners. By prioritizing ethics in the workplace culture, organizations can reap numerous benefits, including improved employee engagement, increased customer loyalty, and enhanced reputation.

Legal Ramifications of Unethical Behavior

Noncompliance with ethical standards can precipitate a cascade of legal consequences, exposing organizations to reputational damage, financial penalties, and even criminal liability. Unethical behavior can lead to legal action, resulting in severe financial consequences that can be detrimental to a company's bottom line. In addition, criminal liability can be imposed on organizations and their executives, leading to fines, imprisonment, or both.

Some of the legal ramifications of unethical behavior include:

Financial Consequences : Fines, penalties, and restitution can result in significant financial losses, damaging a company's profitability and reputation.
Criminal Liability : Executives and organizations can face criminal charges, leading to imprisonment and fines, as well as damage to their professional reputation.
Legal Action : Unethical behavior can lead to lawsuits, regulatory actions, and other legal proceedings that can be time-consuming, costly, and damaging to a company's reputation.

It is vital for organizations to prioritize ethical behavior and comply with legal standards to avoid these legal ramifications. By doing so, companies can maintain a positive reputation, avoid financial consequences, and guarantee a culture of integrity and accountability.

Building Trust Through Transparency

In the domain of corporate ethics, building trust through transparency is vital for fostering a positive reputation and ensuring long-term success. This can be achieved by implementing clear communication strategies, making ethical decisions, and promoting accountability throughout the organization. By embracing these principles, businesses can establish a culture of transparency, thereby enhancing stakeholder trust and confidence.

Clear Communication Matters

Transparent communication is a cornerstone of trust-building in business, as it fosters an environment of openness, accountability, and mutual understanding. When communication is clear and concise, it promotes a culture of transparency, where stakeholders feel informed and valued. This, in turn, builds trust and credibility, vital for successful business relationships.

Effective communication involves more than just conveying information. It requires:

Crisp language : avoiding jargon and technical terms that may confuse or intimidate others
Active listening : paying attention to the concerns and needs of stakeholders, and responding appropriately
Regular updates : keeping stakeholders informed of progress, changes, and decisions that affect them

Ethical Decision Making

Ethical decision making is rooted in a commitment to transparency, which fosters an environment of trust and accountability by guaranteeing that stakeholders are informed and involved in the decision-making process. This commitment is vital for building trust and credibility with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors. When organizations prioritize transparency, they demonstrate a willingness to be accountable for their actions and decisions.


Moral Compass	Guides decision making with a sense of right and wrong
Ethical Lens	Examines decisions through a lens of fairness and justice
Transparency	Guarantees stakeholders are informed and involved in decision making
Accountability	Holds individuals and organizations responsible for their actions

Accountability in Action

By prioritizing transparency in decision making, organizations can demonstrate accountability in action, thereby fostering an environment of trust and credibility with stakeholders. This is achieved when leaders exhibit moral courage, taking ownership of their actions and decisions, and being willing to explain and justify them to stakeholders. Transparency breeds trust, which is vital for building strong relationships with customers, investors, and employees.

To cultivate accountability in action, organizations can:

Establish clear policies and procedures that outline decision-making processes and guarantee consistency
Encourage open communication and feedback mechanisms, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns and opinions
Hold leaders and employees accountable for their actions, recognizing and rewarding ethical behavior and addressing unethical conduct

Sustainable Business Practices Matter

Companies that prioritize sustainable business practices are better positioned to mitigate long-term risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ultimately driving business success and contributing to a more resilient global economy. By integrating green initiatives into their operations, companies can reduce their environmental footprint, minimize waste, and optimize resource allocation. This not only helps to mitigate the risks associated with climate change and environmental degradation but also enhances their reputation and brand value.

Moreover, embracing social responsibility is a critical component of sustainable business practices. This involves adopting policies and practices that promote fair labor standards, community engagement, and philanthropy. By doing so, companies can foster a positive work environment, build trust with stakeholders, and contribute to the well-being of local communities. As consumers increasingly expect companies to prioritize social and environmental responsibility, adopting sustainable business practices is no longer a choice but a necessity for long-term success. By prioritizing sustainability, companies can create value for both their shareholders and the broader society, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company's mission statement override its legal obligations?.

A company's mission statement, while guiding its values and goals, cannot override its legal obligations. Mission creep can lead to ethical dilemmas, but legal compliance takes precedence, ensuring that moral principles are upheld without compromising regulatory requirements.

Are Whistleblowers Protected From Retaliation in All Industries?

Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation in most industries, but industry exemptions exist. Anonymous reporting mechanisms can facilitate disclosures, yet varying laws and regulations govern protections, leaving some whistleblowers vulnerable to retaliation.

Do Corporate Ethics Apply to Small Businesses and Startups?

Small businesses and startups, driven by a strong moral compass, establish a distinct business identity by embracing corporate ethics, ensuring responsible practices and fostering a positive reputation, even in the absence of regulatory pressures.

Can a Company Be Held Liable for an Employee's Wrongdoing?

A company can be held liable for an employee's wrongdoing under certain circumstances, specifically if employer negligence or vicarious liability are established, where the employer's actions or inactions contribute to the employee's misconduct.

Are There Legal Consequences for Not Having a Corporate Ethics Policy?

In the absence of a corporate ethics policy, organizations may face legal repercussions, including fines and reputational damage, due to inadequate ethics oversight and policy enforcement, highlighting the importance of establishing a thorough ethics framework.

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Case Studies
Case Studies. More than 70 cases pair ethics concepts with real world situations. From journalism, performing arts, and scientific research to sports, law, and business, these case studies explore current and historic ethical dilemmas, their motivating biases, and their consequences. Each case includes discussion questions, related videos, and ...
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Edward Snowden: Traitor or Hero?
Journalists were conflicted about the ethical implications of Snowden's actions. The editorial board of The New York Times stated, "He may have committed a crime…but he has done his country a great service.". In an Op-ed in the same newspaper, Ed Morrissey argued that Snowden was not a hero, but a criminal: "by leaking information ...
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Making a Case for the Case: An Introduction
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Alfie Evans Case
Alfie Evan's case is an example of a high-profile case in the media. He had a degenerative neurological condition and was on a ventilator. The parents wanted to keep him on life support, but the hospital took the case to the High Court, and this ultimately ended in the court ruling with the hospital and Alfie ' s life support being turned off. . This case was a significant news story, with ...
Leadership Ethics Cases
The importance of academic institutions in shaping the societal narrative is increasingly showcased by constant media exposure and continuous requests for social commentary. This case study outlines effective methodologies of leadership, ethics, and change management within an organization, for the purpose of motivating and engaging ...
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The case studies offer examples of professionals facing tough ethical decisions or ethically questionable situations in their careers in teaching, science, politics, and social services. Cases are an effective way to introduce ethics topics, and for people to learn how to spot ethical issues.
Business Law and Corporate Ethics
A well-implemented corporate ethics program can help businesses navigate complex ethical dilemmas, mitigate risk, and create a positive impact on society. By integrating corporate ethics into their daily operations, businesses can reap the rewards of a strong reputation, improved relationships, and sustained success. Compliance and Regulatory ...

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Ethical Decision-Making

Ethics Case Studies

Case Study: Decision Making (Accident)

Case Study: Conflict Resolution (Development vs Environment)

Case Study: Ethics vs Easy Path (Advice to Friend)

Case Study: Problem Solving of a Social Issue (Migration)

Case Study: Decision Making (Order of Rescue in Flood)

Case Study: Problem Solving (Policy Making)

Case Study: Problem Solving (NGO)

Case Study: Ethical Dilemma (Options and Reasons for Choice)

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How Natural Winemaker Frank Cornelissen Innovated While Staying True to His Brand

When Managers Set Unrealistic Expectations, Employees Cut Ethical Corners

Amazon in Seattle: The Role of Business in Causing and Solving a Housing Crisis

Struggling With a Big Management Decision? Start by Asking What Really Matters

How Do Great Leaders Overcome Adversity?

Should Businesses Take a Stand on Societal Issues?

Can Sustainability Drive Innovation at Ferrari?

Doing Well by Doing Good? One Industry’s Struggle to Balance Values and Profits

Voting Democrat or Republican? The Critical Childhood Influence That's Tough to Shake

The Beauty Industry: Products for a Healthy Glow or a Compact for Harm?

What Will It Take to Confront the Invisible Mental Health Crisis in Business?

How Should Meta Be Governed for the Good of Society?

From P.T. Barnum to Mary Kay: Lessons From 5 Leaders Who Changed the World

Build the Life You Want: Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey Share Happiness Tips

Successful, But Still Feel Empty? A Happiness Scholar and Oprah Have Advice for You

The Harvard Business School Faculty Summer Reader 2023

A Nike Executive Hid His Criminal Past to Turn His Life Around. What If He Didn't Have To?

Two Centuries of Business Leaders Who Took a Stand on Social Issues

Can AI and Machine Learning Help Park Rangers Prevent Poaching?

Does It Pay to Be a Whistleblower?

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Case Study - 28: Environment v/s Development

Case Study - 27: Emotional Intelligence in Corporate Offices

Case Study - 26: Media ethics vs Public Safety

Case Study - 25: Privatization of public services vs Welfare o...

Case Study - 24: National Security and Honey Trapping

Case Study - 23: Personal relations vs Ethical values

Case Study - 17: Personal relation v/s Public duty

Case Study - 16: Call of Duty versus Human Value

Case Study – 6 : Environmental Impact Assessment of a Projec...

Case Study – 7 : Right to be Forgotten

Ethics Case Studies

Aiding law enforcement

Being first

Bottom-line decisions

Controversial photos

Covering politics

Getting the story

Handling sources

Invading privacy

Military Issues

Naming newsmakers

Other topics

Sensitive news topics

Workplace issues

Ethics Case Studies resources and social media channels

Case Studies