Assignment 2 Discussion Question Noted

Assignment 2 Discussion Questionimportant Notediscussion Questions I

Discussion Question Consider one of the following ethical situations that could arise when a company such as Trillo Apparel Company requests an outside contractor to perform work. Situation 1 You need to hire contractors for the electrical work. You also know that getting the permits is going to be very difficult and my delay your project. You have a friend in the electrical business who knows an inspector that can be bribed to move your inspections to the top of the list. If you hire your friend’s company, you know you will have your inspections completed on time.

Situation 2 You need to hire inexpensive labor to build your work benches for the production floor. You have a bunch of college friends who are in need of work and the pay is good for this work. You also feel you might have more control over the workers since they are your friends. You know that your company usually uses takes bids for this type of work Choose one situation and determine what potential ethics are involved in that situation. Discuss what you would do in this situation. Explain your reasoning.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical considerations involved in hiring contractors or workers are complex and often involve multiple facets of integrity, legality, and professionalism. This discussion will analyze two potential scenarios faced by companies, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and possible courses of action to uphold ethical standards.

Scenario 1: Bribery to Expedite Inspection Permits

In this situation, a company contemplates bribing an inspector to prioritize its electrical permit inspections, essential for timely project completion. The core ethical issue revolves around corruption and dishonesty. Bribery violates legal statutes, undermines fair processes, and corrupts the integrity of regulatory institutions. It also sets a dangerous precedent that unethical behavior is acceptable to achieve business goals. If such conduct were discovered, it could lead to legal penalties, damage to reputation, and loss of stakeholder trust (Kaptein, 2011).

Choosing ethical behavior would entail exploring legal pathways for permit approval, such as engaging in transparent communication with authorities or seeking alternative means to meet project timelines. Upholding integrity is paramount, so relying on bribery is unethical and risky. Instead, firms could explore expedited approval processes legally or adjust project schedules to accommodate proper permitting procedures. This approach sustains professional standards and preserves the company's reputation in the long term (Kidder, 2005).

Scenario 2: Hiring Friends for Inexpensive Labor

The second scenario involves hiring friends for work on the production floor, bypassing standard bidding processes. While this may appear beneficial for controlling costs and labor quality, it raises ethical concerns about fairness, favoritism, and transparency. Favoritism can undermine competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs or compromised quality if the selection process is not merit-based. It could also create internal conflicts or perceptions of unfairness among other employees (Johnson & Reiman, 2012).

From an ethical standpoint, adhering to the company's established procurement policies by soliciting bids ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability. While hiring friends might seem personally advantageous, it risks violating ethical standards related to equal opportunity and fiduciary responsibility. If I were in this situation, I would prioritize integrity by following the standard bidding process. If I wished to support my friends or community, I could involve them in the bidding process transparently or recommend them through proper channels once it's aligned with company policies (Trevino & Nelson, 2017).

In both scenarios, the common theme revolves around balancing personal and organizational ethics. While personal relationships and short-term gains might tempt individuals to act unethically, maintaining integrity ensures long-term trust and sustainability for the organization. Ethical decision-making in business involves evaluating the potential consequences of actions, understanding legal and moral boundaries, and choosing behaviors that foster fairness, transparency, and respect for the rules (Crane & Matten, 2016).

Hence, whether confronting pressures to expedite project approvals or hiring decisions, upholding ethical standards through honest and legal practices ultimately benefits organizations by strengthening reputation, employee morale, and compliance with regulations.

References

• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, C. E., & Reiman, A. J. (2012). Ethical Obligations and Business Relationships. Business and Society Review, 117(3), 393-415.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living. HarperOne.
• Kaptein, M. (2011). Understanding unethical behavior by unraveling ethical culture. Human Relations, 64(6), 843–869.
• Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. Wiley.