ISCT Project
For this project, you can work in a group or individually to develop an ethical analysis of commonly accepted practices using Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT).
There is provided template for you to follow for this project (ISCT project template word document)
- Identify one “authentic norm” (actual business practice) that appear to be followed in the “real world” practice of your concentration
- Be as specific as possible in describing the norm
- Avoid norms required by law or ethics code
- There should be a question about whether the norm is legitimate (so, not obviously ethical)
The authentic norm I chose: It is normal for some businesses to not pay interns
- Present the empirical evidence to show that the authentic norms (actual practices) you identify qualify as authentic norms – you should use more than one source to prove your case
- To do this, you might look at trade publications, interviews with business experts in the field, studies done to identify such norms, and your own firsthand work or internship experiences. Whatever sources you use, the key here is to present a strong case that these are actually authentic norms.
- Identify those parts of the macrosocial contract for business that are relevant to testing these authentic norms
- Remember that the macrosocial contract is constituted by those “hypernorms” (universal rules) that we rational contractors recognize should govern all microsocial contracting (e.g. all contractors must retain a right of exit)
- Make sure that you fully explain why it is reasonable to believe that the hypernorms (universal rules) you chose should be included in the macrosocial contract and why they are relevant to testing the ethical legitimacy of the authentic norms under consideration
- Test the authentic norm(s) for legitimacy (determine if they are ethical)
- Argue for a remedy or solution for the unethical practice(s) identified
- Be both creative and practical: This is a field you are pursuing. How would you respond if you were asked to engage in this behavior as a new employee? How would you respond to and/or avoid this practice as a more seasoned employee or as the boss? How could/should the industry respond to this practice?
Deliverables
- This is a step you need to do, (Do this step first and then do the complete work)
- Provena authentic norm– no need for proof, I will see that in the final submission
- List of relevant hypernorms for the authentic norm
ISCT Group Project
Group Name (if applicable):
Group Member:
Authentic Norm/Actual Business Practice:
Summary of evidence that this is an authentic norm/actual practice:
Sources (APA format):
Relevant Hypernorms/Universal Rules:
1:
Relevant because
2:
Relevant because
3:
Relevant because
(add more if necessary)
Is the authentic norm/actual practice legitimate/ethical? If not (or if sometimes not), explain:
If the authentic norm/actual practice is always or sometimes unethical, what could be done to stop or modify the practice? (try to avoid external regulations)