Right-Right Dilemmas

Metaphors like a one-direction-only compass or a more opposing-direction scale are employed to capture the complexity of moral dilemmas in the boardroom. Adidas employees criticised their directors, accusing them of having ‘turned off their moral compass’ by ignoring years of harassment by Ye. The CEO of Carlsberg described his dilemma about leaving Russia during the Ukraine war as a ‘Catch-22’. Meanwhile, Maastricht University’s board referred to the challenge of paying ransom after a cyberattack as a ‘Devil’s Dilemma’. However, the reference to the moral compass of directors, or the lack of a moral compass, can be used for dilemmas where directors must choose between ethical and unethical actions, a right-wrong dilemma, because it clearly points in a single direction.  One’s moral compass guides decisions towards what is unequivocally ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. However, the metaphor of a moral compass is less suitable for dilemmas that involve two equally positive moral principles that often conflict and are mutually exclusive, a right-right dilemma. Here, a moral compass would not provide clear direction since both choices are ethically justifiable, leaving no ‘true north’ to follow. Instead, the metaphor of a moral scale is more appropriate. A scale requires careful weighing of both options to determine which aligns best with the core values of the individual or organisation. It acknowledges the complexity of prioritising between two valid moral principles and the need for a nuanced approach to balance conflicting positive ideals.