Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.omega.2008.12.005
Title (Primary) Why good practice of OR is not enough - Ethical challenges for the OR practitioner
Author Rauschmayer, F.; Kavathatzopoulos, I.; Kunsch, P.L.; Le Menestrel, M.
Source Titel Omega-International Journal of Management Science
Year 2009
Department OEKON
Volume 37
Issue 6
Page From 1089
Page To 1099
Language englisch
Keywords OR and ethics; Philosophy of OR; Uncertainty; Dilemmas; Dynamic systems
Abstract This paper develops the idea that following rules of good OR practice is necessary, but not sufficient for ethical OR. Several challenges of introducing ethical aspects into OR are discussed, evidencing difficulties and ambiguities in the relationship to be established between the OR practitioner and his/her clients, decision-makers or stakeholders. It shows that neither analysis nor modelling work nor the choice of analytical tools is entirely ethically neutral; incomparability, incommensurability and incertitude must be dealt with. The purpose of this article is to detail several difficulties or dilemmas an OR practitioner may be confronted with in the course of his or her assignment. In such situations, following rules of good practice may not be sufficient to indicate how to act in a morally good way. This paper aims at stimulating reflection by structuring the debate; it may leave the reader unsettled-unsettlement being a result and even aim of many discussions in moral philosophy.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=511
Rauschmayer, F., Kavathatzopoulos, I., Kunsch, P.L., Le Menestrel, M. (2009):
Why good practice of OR is not enough - Ethical challenges for the OR practitioner
Omega-Int. J. Manage. Sci. 37 (6), 1089 - 1099 10.1016/j.omega.2008.12.005