Deontology

Definition

Deontology is an ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than the consequences of the action. It is a duty-based approach to ethics that focuses on the rightness or wrongness of the action itself, rather than the outcomes it produces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deontology focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action, rather than its consequences.
2. The Categorical Imperative, proposed by Immanuel Kant, is the core principle of deontological ethics, which states that one should act only in accordance with rules that could become universal laws.
3. Deontological ethics emphasize moral absolutes and the importance of adhering to moral duties and principles, regardless of the outcomes.
4. Deontology contrasts with consequentialist ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, which judge the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences.
5. Deontological approaches to ethical decision-making are often applied in the context of professional codes of conduct and organizational policies, where adherence to rules and duties is emphasized.

Review Questions

• Explain how the principle of deontology would inform managerial decision-making in the context of 2.1 Overview of Managerial Decision-Making.
  • From a deontological perspective, managers would be expected to make decisions based on adherence to moral rules and duties, rather than solely considering the outcomes or consequences of their actions. This could involve strictly following company policies, professional codes of conduct, or other established ethical principles, even if doing so might not result in the most favorable outcome. The focus would be on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the decision-making process itself, rather than the ultimate results.
• Describe how the deontological approach to ethics could be used to improve the quality of decision-making, as discussed in 2.5 Improving the Quality of Decision-Making.
  • Deontology's emphasis on moral rules and duties could help improve the quality of decision-making by providing a clear ethical framework for managers to follow. By adhering to established principles and obligations, such as honesty, fairness, and respect for others, managers can ensure that their decisions align with these moral standards, regardless of the potential outcomes. This could lead to more consistent, transparent, and accountable decision-making processes, which are key factors in improving the overall quality of managerial decision-making.
• Analyze how the deontological perspective on ethics, as discussed in 5.1 Ethics and Business Ethics Defined, 5.2 Dimensions of Ethics: The Individual Level, and 5.3 Ethical Principles and Responsible Decision-Making, could influence an individual manager's approach to ethical decision-making.
  • From a deontological standpoint, an individual manager's ethical decision-making would be primarily guided by their adherence to moral rules, duties, and principles, rather than a focus on the consequences of their actions. This could lead the manager to make decisions based on their personal values, professional codes of conduct, or organizational policies, even if those decisions might not result in the most favorable outcomes. The deontological approach emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of the decision-making process itself, which could influence how the manager navigates ethical dilemmas at the individual level and shapes their overall approach to responsible decision-making within the organization.

Related terms

Categorical Imperative:

The core principle of deontology, proposed by Immanuel Kant, which states that one should act only in accordance with the maxim through which you can, at the same time, will that it become a universal law.

Moral Absolutism:

The belief that there are absolute moral rules or principles that must be followed regardless of the consequences, which is a key tenet of deontological ethics.

Moral Duty: The obligation to perform certain actions or behave in certain ways, as dictated by moral rules or principles, which is central to deontological ethical decision-making.