Ok, as you want the sample MBA Ethical Dilemma essay so here I am providing you.

Sample MBA Ethical Dilemma essay

Sample 1-

Dilemma: An argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent (according to Merriam-Webster)

Over the years, we have found that one of the essay questions that gives candidates the most grief is the dreaded “ethical dilemma” question. Although most candidates clearly understand the difference between what is and is not ethical, the problem usually lies in the word “dilemma.” As you can tell from the definition provided, a dilemma occurs when two equally conclusive sides exist simultaneously—with an emphasis on “equally.” Here we offer two examples of responses to an “ethical dilemma” essay question. The first presents only one reasonable side, and the second offers two.

Example 1: “While I was working at ABC firm, my boss asked me to book our second quarter revenue in advance so that we could create the appearance of a great first quarter. I firmly told him that this was unethical and refused.”

In this example, the candidate is asked to do something that is clearly unethical. However, because the argument really has only one reasonable side—the reader would not want to hear the story if the candidate had agreed to book revenue ahead of schedule!—no ethical dilemma actually exists in this case.

Example 2: “As the marketing manager for a small pharmaceutical company, I had to set the price for our breakthrough drug. I needed to consider that on the one hand, a rock-bottom price would mean that our life-saving drug would be available to all, but on the other hand, even though a high price would serve a smaller market, it would make the drug far more profitable and would ensure that we could continue to conduct valuable research into additional life-saving compounds.”

In this second example, the candidate outlines a true dilemma. This applicant could be entirely comfortable telling the reader that he pursued either of the pricing strategies, as long as he walks the reader through his/her rationale.

Sample 2-

Describe an ethical dilemma that you faced and how it was resolved. (two to three paragraphs, double spaced)

As assistant sales manager for the Godrej Group, I was responsible for sales numbers, distributors’ profitability and the development of my team members—four field officers who were reporting to me. My overall sales number was a cumulative function of how each of my team members performed. The background to the dilemma being that two of the members and I were well on our way to achieving our targets, while the other two members of my team were in a difficult position. We operated in four basic categories of household insecticide/s, namely mats, coils, liquid refills and aerosol sprays and I had budgets for one last promotion drive before the close of the year. The two field officers who hadn’t met their targets would have benefited if I had spent the entire amount on a scheme on aerosols since this was the high-selling category for them. However, this would have not been either in line with overall company SKU objectives, nor would it have been fair to the other members of the team. Not to mention that such a high proportion scheme on aerosols could have led to “dumping” in other territories at the wholesale level. I had developed a personal rapport with my team and felt responsible for them both from a financial and career perspective and I knew that both these field officers could do with the added financial incentives. Hence, the dilemma. However, I figured that going ahead with this proposed scheme would be against company objectives; moreover, it would not be fair to the rest of the team and to counterparts in other territories.

What I did, however, do was a multiple action initiative. First, I spoke to my seniors explaining the reasons and market realities that were affecting target realization and asked them to roll over the remaining target as a special case. I also roped in the other members of my team and took their help in increasing activity—retail store visits, new store billings, increased displays, etc., in the two affected territories to boost their sales. The net off: Three of my four territories met their original targets, one fell short by 5%, which was taken forward into the next year’s target as a one-off case. My team members were motivated, confident and more willing to help each other.

This incident reinforced my belief in conducting myself in a fair and correct manner. On a personal front, my rapport with my team became stronger than ever, my team was confident that I would back them as and when required, and this inevitably translated into a better professional experience.