What are the three general causes of ethical dilemmas?

• A. Ambiguity, personal bias, and time pressure.
• B. Uncertainty, competing values, and potential harm.
• C. Efficiency, morale, and leadership pressure.
• D. Legal requirements, policy updates, and audits.

Answer: (B)

Three general causes of ethical dilemmas arise when there isn’t a clearly right choice because information is uncertain, values clash, or harm is a possibility. When facts and outcomes are uncertain, you can’t confidently pick an action as unquestionably ethical, which creates a dilemma. When values compete, you’re balancing duties or principles that pull you in different directions, so no option fully satisfies everyone involved. And when any action could cause harm, you’re forced to weigh competing duties and consequences to decide which path minimizes harm while staying true to ethical standards.

These elements—uncertainty, competing values, and potential harm—together explain why a dilemma occurs and why this set is the best representation of the general causes. Other options describe influences like time pressure, morale, leadership, or compliance needs, which can shape decisions but don’t themselves define the core reason a dilemma arises.