Teaching the Ethical Principle of Accountability

Nov 17, 2022

MBA Research’s ethical principles video on accountability takes a deep dive into accountability, giving students an understanding of what the principle means, its supporting traits, how it plays out in the real world, and how students can use it in their own lives. Video components include:

  • Fair-use news clips and GIFs to add entertainment value and break up content delivery
  • An open-ended ethical dilemma where students get to reflect and make their own choice
  • Examples of both ethical and unethical behavior, with comparisons drawn between the two and a discussion of how these choices lead to different outcomes
  • Inter-disciplinary connections to ELA and recent history
  • Multiple possibilities for teachers to turn the video into classroom discussions or homework (In the News, Make it Matter, Going Forward)
  • Timestamps for each section of the video

After students view the 13:32 video, ask students the following questions:

  • What was your favorite part of the video? What was your least favorite part?
  • Which example stuck with you the most?
  • What would you choose if you had to think of another “building block” trait that supports the ethical principle of accountability?
  • Had you heard about the In the News story prior to watching this video? If so, has your opinion changed on the news story? Why or why not?
  • What other choices could you have made during the Make it Matter scenario? Would the outcomes be better or worse than the ones included in the video?
  • Can you think of ways to demonstrate accountability other than the examples mentioned during the Going Forward section?
  • Can you think of a time when you didn’t hold yourself accountable for your actions? How did it make you feel? How could you avoid this in the future?
  • How can you encourage those around you to hold themselves accountable for their actions? What would happen if those around you weren't held accountable by others?

The Ethical Principles video series is available through the generous support of The Daniels Fund.

To learn more about MBA Research, please visit our website. We offer a variety of ethics materials and resources for teaching high school students, including a free course guide and LAPs (lesson plans): mbareseach.org/ethics.

Questions?

MBA Research & Curriculum Center
service@mbaresearch.org

MBA Research and Curriculum Center is dedicated to supporting educators in the preparation of students for careers in the areas of business management, finance, marketing, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship. Established in 1971, we are a not-for-profit operated and governed by a consortium of state education departments.


Discussion Questions

  • 1
    What would you choose if you had to think of another “building block” trait that supports the ethical principle of accountability?
  • 2
    Had you heard about the In the News story prior to watching this video? If so, has your opinion changed on the news story? Why or why not?
  • 3
    Can you think of a time when you didn’t hold yourself accountable for your actions? How did it make you feel? How could you avoid this in the future?
  • 4
    How can you encourage those around you to hold themselves accountable for their actions? What would happen if those around you weren't held accountable by others?

Classroom Connection

Career CLuster:

Instructional Area(s):

Performance Indicators:

Demonstrate responsible behavior
Take responsibility for decisions and actions