Question: Moral Creativity Moral Creativity or imagination relates to the need for and skill of recognizing the complexity of some ethical dilemmas that involve interlocking, conflicting interests, and relationships from the point of view of the person, group, and/or organization facing a decision to be made. Creativity is required to gain perspective among the different stakeholders and their interests to sort out and evaluate harmful effects among different alternative actions.4 What begins as a business-as-usual decision can evolve into a dilemma or even a "defining moment" in one's life.5 An ethical decision typically involves choosing between two options: one we know to be right and another we know to be wrong. A defining moment, however, challenges us in a deeper way by asking us to choose between two or more ideals in which we deeply believe. Such challenges rarely have a "correct" response. Rather, they are situations created by circumstance that ask us to step forward and, in the words of the American philosopher John Dewey, "form, reveal, and test" ourselves. We form our character when we commit to irreversible courses of action that shape our personal and professional identities. We reveal something new about us to ourselves and others because defining moments uncover something that had been hidden or crystallize something that had been only partially known. And we test ourselves because we discover whether we will live up to our personal ideals or only pay them lip service.6 Joseph Badaracco at Harvard University offers three key questions with creative probes for individuals, work group managers, and company executives to address before acting in a "defining moment." For individuals, the key question is "Who am I?" This question requires individuals to:
1. Identify their feelings and intuitions that are emphasized in the situation.
2. Identify their deepest values in conflict brought up by the situation.
3. Identify the best course of action to understand the right thing to do.7
Work group managers can ask, "Who are we?" They can also address these three dimensions of the team and situation:
1. What strong views and understanding of the situation do others have?
2. Which position or view would most likely win over others?
3. Can I coordinate a process that will reveal the values I care about in this organization?
Company executives can ask, "Who is the company?" Three questions they can consider are:
1. Have I strengthened my position and the organization to the best of my ability?
2. Have I considered my organization's role vis-à-vis society and shareholders boldly and creatively?
3. How can I transform my vision into action, combining creativity, courage, and shrewdness?