Coercion or Influence? Ethical Strategies Leaders Should Use to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake
Date of Award
4-29-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Leadership Studies
First Advisor
Terry Price
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to millions of cases and deaths around the world, persists, in large part, due to vaccine hesitancy. Through interrogating the harm principle and exploring ethical justifications of influence, this thesis seeks to determine justifiable strategies leaders should use to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake. I will argue that lesser forms of coercion—such as vaccine mandates—are justifiable, in principle, but ought not to be used by agents due to concerns for liberty and trust, and the presence of less restrictive alternatives. Thus, leaders should use influence strategies to motivate behavior change from the vaccine hesitant.
Recommended Citation
Podber, Olivia, "Coercion or Influence? Ethical Strategies Leaders Should Use to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake" (2022). Honors Theses. 1600.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1600