Client capabilities - an ethical dilemma example

This paper has its focus on a specific client capability, ethical dealings with its stakeholders. The perspective that this paper takes is from a service provider within a large educational institution that acts as the client in providing building services to users within the university. The service provider is subject to the university governance system and deals with design teams, contractors and end users of the facilities. The aim of the paper is to better understand the types of ethical dilemmas faced by the client when interacting with a range of stakeholders. Results from three fundamental questions suggest that governance arrangements have a pivotal impact on how ethical dilemmas are responded to. This paper reports on a single case study. The case study was one of nine. Results are currently being analysed across all nine cases so while this paper presents a useful single case perspective it is limited and the final analysis will reveal a more holistic picture. Themes that emerged clearly are the interaction of governance, trust and ethical leadership and decision making. Further research is recommended.