Where Do You Draw the Line? – Ethics

We’ve Got an Exciting Update!

We’re thrilled to announce that Where Do You Draw the Line? is now available in an updated version, offering more flexibility and depth. This new version can be used both online and in the classroom, or even simultaneously in both settings, allowing for greater interaction and participation.

Contact Us For A Free Tour of the New Updated Version!

What is “Where Do You Draw the Line?”

Where Do You Draw the Line? is a real time, facilitator led, structured experience. Participants are formed in groups and analyze a series of ethical situations. These are structured in a way to reveal the assumptions that each group uses to make ethical judgments.

The "Ideal Self"

When talking about ethical issues there's a tendency to view the problems and issues from the point of view of the ideal self. Consequently, the discussions quickly evolve into nice-nice talk in which the participants say “tsk tsk” and “ain't it awful the way others behave?” The challenge in designing this exercise was to create a situation in which a more realistic and honest discussion would take place- one which was more like what the real self would do. To accomplish this task, we don't ask the participants what they would do, but what "business people", and the “man in the street” would do in a situation. This degree of distance encourages them to be more objective and more honest. And then once they've given these responses, the question becomes; to what extent does this apply to me as well? Most often this approach engenders a much more honest discussion than if we were to start out asking them directly what they think is ethical behavior for themselves.

What’s New in the Updated Version:

The new version of Where Do You Draw the Line? introduces an additional layer of complexity with individual and group ethical decisions. In the past, participants focused mainly on group decisions. Now, each participant is required to make ethical judgments both as an individual and within their group, fostering deeper personal reflection on ethical behavior.

This added layer encourages more honest, real-world discussions, as participants not only consider how the group would act but also how they, as individuals, would respond in each situation and what assumptions were made by both.

In addition, this new version can be used both online and in the classroom, or even simultaneously in both settings, allowing for greater interaction and participation.

What happens in Where Do You Draw the Line?

How the Program Works:

After being divided into groups, participants make judgments about the acceptability of behaviors in various vignettes involving individuals, corporations, and organizations. These judgments then serve as the foundation for developing an ethical system. Issues raised in the first phase include questions like:

• What’s the difference between a gratuity and a bribe? Is it the amount of money, motivation, or the effect on others that matters?
• Is it acceptable to break a law if no one is practically affected?
• Is it more acceptable to “steal” from a stranger than from a friend? From a rich person than a poor person? From a corporation rather than an individual?

In the second phase, the decisions of all groups are shared, revealing the variations in the vignettes each group was considering. For example, one group may be debating whether it’s acceptable to eat $10 worth of food while working as a clerk, while another might be discussing whether it’s okay to make an unauthorized long-distance call using an employer’s phone.

Who Should Use Where Do You Draw the Line?

This exercise is ideal for any course or training program focused on ethics, values, leadership, business and much more. It is especially valuable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of ethical decision-making on both an individual and group level.

What Makes It Unique?

Getting people to engage with ethical discussions can be challenging, and often, educators end up lecturing students who may or may not be interested. With Where Do You Draw the Line?, the participants do most of the thinking and talking, rather than the instructor. The experience starts out with many participants feeling disengaged but, by the end, they are eager to share their thoughts and engage in meaningful conversations.

What Does It Teach?

• The discrepancy between the ethical system most people claim to follow and the one they actually use.
• The unspoken assumptions that underlie their ethical decisions.
• Common assumptions such as:
  • It's okay to cheat just a little.
  • It's acceptable to cheat a large, rich, or powerful organization.
  • It's fine to cheat if everyone else is doing it.
  • It's okay to cheat if you don’t know the person being hurt, or if no one will find out.
  • Small bribes are fine, or it's not a bribe if it's not explicitly stated.

It also illustrates the societal costs when many people act based on such assumptions, and emphasizes the importance of examining both stated and unstated ethical principles when making decisions.

How Long Does It Take?

The exercise is designed to fit into a 60 minute session, but can be adapted to longer or shorter time frames.

How Many Participants Can It Accommodate?

The program is designed for 5 to 100 participants per event.

How Much Preparation Is Needed?

You’ll need a couple of hours to familiarize yourself with the flow of the program. Once familiar it will only take a few minutes to prepare for each session.

Are Any Special Materials Required?

The facilitator needs to have a computer which is connected to the Internet. The participants can use a computer or smart phone connected to the Internet. If running the program virtually you'll need some sort of online conferencing service such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams etc.