BUS FPX 3050 Assessment 1 Communication, Ethics, and a Command Decision BUS-FPX3050 Fundamentals of Organizational Communication ​​​​​​​Communication, Ethics, and Command Decisions: An In-Depth Analysis Part 1: Scenario Analysis

The COVID-19 outbreak aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt in April 2020 presents a critical case for examining ethical communication challenges. The U.S. Navy’s specific context introduces complexities that may limit the applicability of insights gained from this scenario. The military’s hierarchical chain of command, while traditional, often remains opaque to the public and is central to understanding this situation. Thus, a detailed analysis of the facts is vital for evaluating the ethical dimensions involved.

It has become clear that Captain Crozier communicated primarily with Navy officers, including those ranked higher than his immediate superior, which contradicts Acting Navy Secretary Modly’s claims. Modly’s misrepresentation of the memo’s recipients and its contents, particularly concerning Crozier’s alarm and Rear Adm. Baker’s dismissal, highlights the ethical dilemmas in this case (Kheel, 2020).

By bypassing Baker, Crozier’s actions do not appear unethical. While the chain of command promotes organizational efficiency, it should not overshadow ethical considerations, as noted by the Army War College (Piellusch, 2018). Baker’s neglect of Crozier’s urgent concerns effectively forced the issue into the public arena, making Crozier’s decision to circumvent Baker seem justified, especially in light of the pressing health crisis aboard the ship.

Crozier’s letter exemplifies clear, solution-oriented communication that is free from personal agendas or sensitive information. The letter’s contents do not raise ethical concerns, reinforcing the idea that Crozier acted with integrity.

In terms of potential media leaks, there is no evidence to suggest that Crozier engaged in such actions. Even if he had, without indications of ulterior motives, concerns regarding the ethics of public disclosure appear unfounded.

When comparing military and civilian standards, the heightened ethical expectations within the military indicate that civilian contexts should have even fewer ethical concerns. The focus should instead be on the disproportionate repercussions faced by Crozier, which seem politically motivated and represent a more significant ethical violation than any of Crozier’s actions (Ignatius, 2020).

Part 2: Public Communication

In light of the unwarranted repercussions faced by Captain Crozier, it is crucial to confront the systemic issues that impede effective communication within the U.S. military. The recent incidents surrounding the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt highlight a troubling trend of punitive actions against individuals striving to protect the health and safety of service members.

As a concerned Navy captain, I urge the nation to focus on the decline of integrity within our institutions. Captain Crozier’s experience emphasizes the urgent need to shield our armed forces from political interference while upholding principles of meritocracy and ethical behavior.

Now is the time to restore public trust in our institutions, ensuring that committed individuals like Captain Crozier can serve without fear of retaliation. The integrity of our military and the safety of our personnel depend on this commitment.

References

Ignatius, D. (2020, April 6). Acting Navy chief fired Crozier for ‘panicking’ – and before Trump could intervene. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/04/05/acting-navy-chief-fired-crozier-panicking-before-trump-might-intervene/.

Kheel, R. (2020, April 16). Fired captain sent memo to fewer people than