ethics

The game

The Ethics card game presents players with realistic workplace scenarios to develop effective ethical decision-making. Each scenario covers a situation where the right course of action isn’t always clear-cut. You can play with our bank of industry situations or add your own challenges.

With each round, the group is presented with an ethical dilemma. Each player needs to think about the scenario - was it a good decision or less so? What would be the impact if this occured in the organisation and who would be impacted?

The game is played in teams, with a facilitator guiding discussions and highlighting key learning points. Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, making it perfect for training workshops or team meetings.

Learning Outcomes

After playing the Ethics card game, participants will be able to:

• Recognize Ethical Dilemmas: Identify situations that require ethical consideration before acting
• Apply Ethical Frameworks: Use established ethical principles to evaluate different courses of action
• Consider Multiple Perspectives: Understand how different stakeholders might view the same situation
• Navigate Gray Areas: Develop confidence in handling situations where the “right” answer isn’t obvious
• Articulate Reasoning: Clearly explain the ethical basis for their decisions
• Understand Consequences: Recognize how ethical choices impact individuals, teams, and organizations
• Build Ethical Culture: Contribute to creating a workplace environment where ethics are valued and discussed openly

Why This Game Works

Traditional ethics training often relies on lectures and abstract principles that feel disconnected from daily work. The Ethics card game succeeds because it:

Creates Safe Practice Space: Players can explore difficult ethical questions without real-world consequences, building confidence for when they face similar situations in their work.

Encourages Discussion: The game format naturally promotes dialogue and debate, helping teams develop a shared understanding of ethical standards and expectations.

Reveals Complexity: By presenting nuanced scenarios, the game shows that ethical decision-making often involves weighing competing values and considering multiple stakeholders.

Builds Muscle Memory: Repeated practice with ethical reasoning helps participants develop instincts and frameworks they can apply when facing real dilemmas.

Engages Emotions: The scenarios are designed to be thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable, creating the emotional engagement that drives learning and retention.

Transfers to Reality: The situations in the game mirror real workplace challenges, ensuring that lessons learned are immediately applicable to participants’ daily work.

The Ethics card game transforms abstract ethical principles into concrete, memorable learning experiences that genuinely change how people think about and approach ethical challenges in their professional lives.