Table of Contents
Perception of an Ethical Problem
The primary ethical problem that George Tenet is facing is his submission to the false reports about the Iraqi terrorists. He knew all along that the information about Saddam Hussein and the weapons of mass destruction was far from reality, but he never had told the truth nor he had even opposed the said information. The false reports have triggered the war between the U.S. and Iraq.
Describing the Situation
George Tenet was the Director of Central Intelligence of the Central Information Agency in the United States. As the Director of Central Intelligence, Tenet served as the head of the entire Central Intelligence Agency, overseeing all its intelligence activities. He also acted as the president’s principal intelligence advisor. George Tenet’s leadership mainly focused on rebuilding the Central Intelligence Agency and improving its internal aspects. On the latter part of his career, his focus was redirected to the abolishment of the Al-Qaeda. During his time, the United States was having appreciable concerns about terrorism and national security (Richard, 2008).
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George Tenet had a tendency of always pleasing the people around him. He was too friendly that he never opposed anybody’s idea even though he knew that it is a falsehood. This personality of George is maybe the reason why he never opposed the idea of Richard Cheney about the terrorists and the weapons of mass destruction. George Tenet, as the president’s adviser, was also very loyal. He always agreed with the George Bush’s decisions without considering the possible effects. Instead of using, the Central Intelligence Agency’s intelligence, to advise the president in making decisions, he manipulates it to justify his decisions that are already made.
Defining the Ethical Issue
Dishonesty is a very common ethical issue faced in every organization. It manifests in many forms, purposes and connotations. In the case of George Tenet, even though he’s not the actual source of the false information, he still manifested dishonesty by remaining passive, even though he knew for the fact that those reports regarding the terrorists were all lies. Dishonesty is not only comprised of telling falsehood, but also covering up the truth. Though we consider it common in every workplace, it may have drastic effects that may affect many people, just like what had happened in the case of George Tenet, where the false information had led to a war between the US and Iraq which affected many people had (Richard, 2008).