Bus 220 Ethical Business Challenge Chapter 4 Instructions

Bus 220 Ethical Business Challenge Chapter 4 Instructions Read the Resol

Bus 220 Ethical Business Challenge Chapter 4 Instructions Read the Resolving Ethical Business Challenges on page 111 and answer the questions on page 111 using MS Word or a compatible word processing application. Upload your answers to the appropriate assignment folder. Do NOT send a PDF file. The answer to each question must be a minimum of 50 words and must be in your own words. Plagiarism (ie. copying) from the web, the book, etc. will result in a grade of zero.

See Rubric under Content, Course Content Section, Rubrics. Make sure that you number your answers so that they correspond with the appropriate question. Failure to do so will result in a penalty. DO NOT retype the question.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario presents a complex ethical dilemma involving multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests. The primary stakeholders include Ahmed, Bill, the university (administrators and IT department), other students and faculty using campus systems, and potentially law enforcement authorities. Each has a stake in the situation based on their roles, rights, and responsibilities.

Ahmed, as a student employee and witness to unethical activities, has a stake rooted in integrity, academic honesty, and his future career prospects. He values the quiet study environment and his personal academic integrity but faces moral risks if he remains silent about illegal activities. Bill, as Ahmed’s co-worker, is directly involved in illegal activities such as data manipulation, piracy, and possible theft. His stake is centered on his self-interest, social standing, and possibly his future opportunities if his actions are uncovered. The university’s stakeholders include administration, which aims to uphold policies, reputation, and legal compliance, as well as the broader campus community that relies on secure and legitimate use of university resources.

Law enforcement or legal entities also have a stake since piracy and unauthorized access to computer systems are criminal offenses. If law enforcement intervenes, it could lead to criminal charges against those involved, affecting their future and legal standing. Other students and faculty may have a stake, too, if their data or access to resources are compromised or if unethical conduct damages the university’s reputation.

Bill’s actions constitute both ethical and legal issues. Ethically, his activities breach principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for intellectual property. Legally, his behavior involves violations of copyright law, unauthorized access, and potentially computer crime statutes. Routing requests to bypass security measures and pirating content are clear violations of law. Thus, Bill’s actions are illegal and violate ethical standards governing academic and corporate integrity.

For Ahmed, becoming a whistle-blower involves significant risks. If he reports Bill’s activities to authorities or university officials, he faces personal risks such as retaliation, social ostracism, or damage to his reputation. There is also a risk of retaliation from Bill, who may perceive Ahmed’s actions as disloyal or threatening. Professionally, exposing unethical behavior could disrupt his current employment or academic standing if not handled carefully. Conversely, remaining silent also carries risks, including complicity in illegal activities, guilt by association, and potential legal consequences if the university or authorities launch an investigation into the activities.

If Ahmed chooses to remain silent, he risks becoming complicit in the unethical and illegal conduct, which could jeopardize the university’s integrity and his own moral standing. Failure to act might also result in the perpetuation of unlawful practices, potentially leading to more significant consequences if the activities are eventually uncovered. Furthermore, if he accepts the money, he risks legal liability for receiving stolen property or participating in criminal conspiracy, even if unintentionally.

On the other hand, whistle-blowing carries personal, social, and professional risks. Ahmed could face backlash from Bill or peers, which might affect his mental health and academic performance. He may also face challenges in proving his claims or dealing with institutional bureaucracy. However, reporting unethical conduct aligns with moral and legal obligations to prevent harm, uphold integrity, and ensure compliance with laws. Proper reporting channels and protections, such as anonymous reporting or whistle-blower protections, can mitigate some of these risks.

To navigate this dilemma ethically, Ahmed needs to weigh his responsibilities against the potential consequences. By reporting the misconduct through appropriate channels, he can uphold his ethical principles, protect himself legally, and contribute to a culture of integrity within the university. Although challenging, confronting unethical behavior ultimately helps maintain fair and honest academic and business environments, ensuring that misconduct does not go unchecked.

References

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