Running head: ETHICAL DILEMMA IN DOUBT 1

Ethical Dilemma in Doubt

Pamela Trent Venable

Virginia Commonwealth University

ETHICAL DILEMMA 2

Ethical Dilemma in Doubt

Introduction

The purpose of leadership is to provide direction and exercise influence for an organization. As noted by Drath (2001), leaders are able to set direction, create commitment, and face adaptive challenges based on leadership styles. In light of these leadership tasks, an important component of framing leadership is the ability to address ethical dilemmas in the decision-making process. Therefore, when resolving ethical issues, leaders have to determine the best course of action with consideration for all stakeholders, the practicality and consequences of the decision, and any extenuating circumstances. In the real world, it is often a challenge to decide what is best for the majority and still have a positive outcome. Johnson (2012) suggests that leaders need to understand the light and dark side of leadership and the potential for abuse in order not to cast a shadow on their followers. He stated that leaders will frequently make choices and do not reflect on the process of how a particular decision has been made. When considering the tasks of leadership, Johnson notes that reflection is a critical aspect of moral reasoning.

With the decision-making process being influenced by the leaders’ personal morals, values, and the rules governing the organization; an understanding of self and how to make ethical choices that reflect good is essential. From time to time, decisions might be made that will conflict with leaders’ personal values and beliefs; as illustrated in the movie Doubt (Rudin

& Shanley, 2008). Doubt is a suspense-filled drama which provides a plethora of ethical challenges faced by all of the characters. Yet, the author connects with the character portrayed by

Amy Adams (Sister James) and her limited leadership experience and struggle with moral dilemmas. ETHICAL DILEMMA 3

The movie is set during the 1960s in a New York City, Catholic school and neighborhood. Sister Aloysius (played by Meryl Streep) uses Sister James (Amy Adams) in her quest to get rid of Father Flynn (Phillip Hoffman). Father Flynn is a priest that Sister Aloysius suspects of making sexual advances on a male student. Because Sister James is a new teacher,

Sister Aloysius uses her authority to co-opt help from Sister James. The request to collect information about Father Flynn’s behavior although initially seems reasonable. Eventually creates an ethical dilemma for the young teacher as she grasps Sister Aloysius’s intent with regards to her own inherent sense of fairness and loyalty. There is a battle between her personal and professional principles as to how to handle this request and all ensuing events.

Ethical Principles

The ethical lens in which Sister James views the world is that of an individualist

(Spangler, 2008). She is an optimist and is consistently seeking to find the good in people, their actions, or the reasons for their behavior. Sister James is definitely a champion for the underdog.

Evidence of her concern for the well-being of others, seeking to do what is in the best interest of the person versus the group, seeing the good in others as well as preventing harm are all personal principles that Sister James exhibits throughout the movie. However, she has a professional responsibility to be loyal to the sisterhood, provide full disclosure to Sister Aloysius, and care for her students and still cooperate with the figures of authority that have power over her.

In his discussion about the different types of shadows, Johnson (2012) presents the concepts of how power and the mismanagement of information are part of corrupted leadership.

He suggests that this type of darkness and misuse of power can have a negative impact on followers as is the case with Sister James and her interactions with Sister Aloysius and Father

Flynn. ETHICAL DILEMMA 4

Character’s Response

In the opening scene of Doubt, Father Flynn states that “doubt can be a bond as strong and sustaining as certainty.” (Rudin & Shanley, 2008, Scene 1) and doubt is the basis for most of the ethical issues in the movie. Sister Aloysius sets the stage for the young teacher’s journey into the shadowy world of doubt when she asks Sister James to discuss Father Flynn’s sermon. It is during this meal that seeds are sown with reference to loyalty and the possibility of wrongdoing at the school. From the author’s perspective, there are several significant scenes that are of moral conflict for Sister James.

The first noteworthy dilemma occurs during a conference with Sister Aloysius when asked about the black student, Donald Miller. Sister James is duty bound to tell what she has witnessed with reference to Father Flynn. The event in question had occurred earlier in the week.

Until she began discussing Donald with Sister Aloysius, Sister James had not questioned the boy being called to the rectory for a talk with the priest.

Next, in the follow up conference with Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn, Sister James wavers. After hearing Father Flynn’s explanation about Donald Miller, Sister James wants to pursue what is best for the boy versus sticking to the rules. She also experiences a relief about the situation and states that she believes the priest. In a later conversation with Father Flynn,

Sister James seeks confirmation about several suspicious events and is accepting of his explanations. While his behaviors were questionable, she is accepting of what he said.

Lastly, Sister James attempts to stand up to Sister Aloysius based on her values and beliefs. She recognizes that there is no real proof and states that she will not be a part of Sister

Aloysius’ campaign to get rid of Father Flynn. While Sister James is passionate about her students and history, she acted passively. Instead of staying and supporting the priest, Sister ETHICAL DILEMMA 5

James remained loyal to the sisterhood and went to visit her sick brother. Upon her return, Father

Flynn has been promoted and is no longer at St. Nicholas. Again, there is the question of whether or not she has done caused harm to another person? She has doubt.

Ethical Implications

Sister James shares the quote about having “nothing to fear but fear itself’ to her students, she starts the film as an open book unguarded and trusting. As motives are questioned and intent becomes murky it is evident that she begins to allow doubts and fear to influence her decisions.

(Rudin & Shanley, 2008, Scene 3) The war to hold true to her personal belief system is in direct conflict with her professional responsibilities. She lacks the experience of viewing the world from other perspectives and makes decisions based on emotions which cause her to lose sleep.

As a teacher and leader, she has been tested and has struggled with decisions made. There are the ramifications of her decisions for all stakeholders and her own personal costs.

If faced with a similar situation, would Sister James make the same decisions? Or would she chose a different alternative to address the situation?

ETHICAL DILEMMA 6

References

Drath, W. (2001). The deep blue sea: Rethinking the source of leadership. San Francisco, CA:

Jossey-Bass.

Johnson, C. E. (2012). Meeting the ethical challenges of leadership: casting light or shadow. Los

Angeles: Sage Publishing.

Rudin, S. (Producer), & Shanley, J. (Director). (2008). Doubt [Motion picture]. United States:

Miramax Films.

Spangler, H. (2008). Spangler Ethical Reasoning Assessment. (SERA).