Potter Box to the Rescue in a "Sticky" Situation

People in the business world are sometimes forced to deal with “sticky” ethical situations. However, sometimes picking the most ethical choice isn’t the easiest decision to make. Sometimes the best way to make the right decision is just by stepping back and analyzing the situation. One method for making ethical decisions is using the five-step Potter Box Analysis, which includes defining the situation, determining loyalties, establishing values, identifying competing principles and taking action.

In our Ethics, Law and Diversity in Strategic Communications class we used this tool to help guide our decisions in an ethical dilemma involving a student intern at a radio station. The female was asked to sell advertising to the wrong clients to make a profit, to “use whatever incentive” to get the sale and implied that she should “push the limits of acceptable business attire to attract customers.” Her unethical decision for staying with this company was chosen because she needed experience in the business and a reference for future jobs.

Since I consider myself ethical, I would say that the choice for her was obvious. She should have left the company due to their unethical practices. Even though this internship would not be a reference for her on a résumé, she could tell her next interviewer that she left a company due to her strong business ethics. Just because a company is a reference doesn’t mean that it is a good one. I am an intern so I can put myself in her shoes. It is easy for me to say that I would have no problem leaving a company if I was told to do what she had to, but my morals and values are obviously different from hers.

The Potter Box did help me step back and analyze her situation, which is what she should have done for the dilemma. She also should have talked to her mentors if she was unsure of her situation. Sometimes an outside opinion from a trusted source can change a person’s mind about something.

I enjoyed working with classmates since people have different views on what is right versus what is wrong. For me the decision was easy, but it is always interesting to hear the opposing point of view. My group all agreed that she should have left, because the company was degrading and could ultimately harm her career.  

I don’t draw out the Potter Box on a daily basis, but I would say that I mentally use this process already. I probably would draw it out if I was in a really “sticky” situation though.