Why is competing in and being part of The National Ethics Case Competition important for you? To answer this question, consider what it is hoped will be the outcomes.

Goals of This Competition:

As a result of preparing for and participating in the Daniels Fund Ethics Case Competition, we hope that students will:

Be able to…

• utilize a systematic process of analysis in order to understand complex business scenarios and define the dilemmas within them.
• apply the principle-based framework of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative to resolve ethical and free market dilemmas, and offer recommendations that make good business sense.
• acknowledge, appreciate, and respectfully address alternate viewpoints (different ways of analyzing and resolving a dilemma) that do not align with the students’ own.)
• present a coherent analysis, argue for a principled solution, and recognize disagreement – all in a clear, logical and persuasive style appropriate to an executive engagement – and respond thoughtfully to questions and critique.

Know…

• what is meant by “the free market” and “the profit motive,” and why these are inherently valuable.
• the general areas and specific situations in the free market that are likely to have ethical components.

Understand and articulate that…

• consistent, core ethical principles must be integrated into the analysis and resolution of free market dilemmas.
• the free market is based on trust. Ethical behavior – including honoring one’s commitments – practiced unfailingly over the long-term creates trusted human relationships, and sustainable organizations that serve the best interests of society.
• when the two are in conflict, doing what’s ethically right should prevail over narrow self-interest.
• free market dilemmas require bold, creative and ethical solutions, along with the courage to live them out.
• debate over closely held beliefs must be civil, collaborative and enriching.