Business Ethics Case Study: Ethical Dilemma At Tasty Burger

Business Ethicscase Study 4an Ethical Dilemma At Tasty Burger Stude

Business Ethicscase Study 4an Ethical Dilemma At Tasty Burger Stude

Business Ethics Case Study #4 An Ethical Dilemma at Tasty Burger - Student Led Teaching Project Fictional Case by Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell. Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases, 10th Edition. p127 Steven, a junior at Texas University, just started working part-time at a local fast food restaurant chain. Although not his dream job, it paid for tuition and books, and the restaurant gave him the flexible schedule he needed for school. After a few months, Steven found he got along well with all of his co-workers, but it was apparent they did not respect the company or the management. The employees made fun of their bosses and treated the work area like a playground.

In some respects, Steven thought it was a fun environment to work in, especially after hours when management was gone for the day. They played their music loudly, laughed, and talked with one another during the down times instead of cleaning up their work areas like they were supposed to. Despite the fact there were ethical policies telling employees how they were expected to act in the workplace, these policies never seemed to be enforced. One day, while working with his co-worker Julie on the food assembly table, Steven saw Julie accidentally drop a meat patty on the floor. Without so much as a flinch, she bent down, picked up the patty, stuck it back on the bun, and wrapped it up. It happened so fast that Steven wasn't even sure he had seen right—especially since Julie had done it so casually.

Steven watched in dismay as another worker took the hamburger out to the customer. Over the next few weeks, Steven saw others, including the shift supervisor, do the same thing with burgers and other products. Once, an entire cheeseburger hit the greasy floor, was picked up, and was taken to the customer. This time the customer complained the burger tasted funny and sent it back. Steven noticed other unsanitary practices such as employees not washing their hands between handling meat and vegetables and not washing utensils between uses.

Obviously, such practices were against company policies and, if reported, the supervisors in charge could get in trouble and the restaurant would face investigations from the health department. However, there was ample opportunity for things like this to occur. There was no one watching them, and the shift supervisor also engaged in these activities. Steven felt it was the company's responsibility to hire good people, so they were to blame if these things happened. One day, Steven approached Julie and asked, "Why do so many people here serve food that has fallen on the floor to customers?" Julie thought about it briefly as though she had never considered it before and replied, "I guess it's because it would take too much time to get another beef patty out of the freezer, cook it, and serve it to the customer.

This is a fast food restaurant, after all, and I'm not interested in hearing customers complain about the time it takes for them to get their food. Besides, the restaurants with the fastest service get a bonus from corporate headquarters. Last year the supervisors rewarded us with some extra money for doing our jobs so quickly." Steven was somewhat taken aback by the honest reply and asked, "Wouldn't you be disgusted if you were served dirty food at a restaurant?" This time Julie's response was quick. She said, "What I don't know won't hurt me." She walked off. Several weeks went by and the same practices continued.

Steven became more and more concerned about the consequences that could happen in an environment so laid back and unconcerned about safety and health. It seemed like the more time that passed, the worse everyone's attitude became. One day, at the beginning of his shift, Steven noticed the walk-in freezer had been left open. As he went to shut the door, he discovered a smell of rotten meat. It almost made him vomit. "How could this happen?" he wondered.

He threw away the rotten meat without asking anyone because he was afraid of what the answer might be. After Steven threw out the spoiled meat, he began to wonder how the culture of the restaurant got to the point of supporting such practices. He realized the seemingly minor unsanitary practices allowed major issues to arise that could possibly hurt someone. Steven felt he should say or do something, but to whom? He sat down and pondered what he should do.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemma faced by Steven in the fast food restaurant highlights significant issues regarding workplace ethics, employee responsibility, and organizational culture. The case presents a situation where employees, including supervisors, engage in unsanitary and unsafe practices, despite existing policies, driven by a culture that prioritizes speed and efficiency over safety and food quality. The core ethical concerns involve the neglect of health standards, the moral responsibility of employees and management, and the ethical obligation of individuals like Steven to act in the face of such violations.

Introduction

Workplace ethics are fundamental to maintaining trust, safety, and integrity within organizations. In the context of a food service environment, these principles are even more critical because of the potential health risks involved. The case of Steven illustrates a tension between organizational culture, employee behavior, and individual ethical responsibility. It offers a compelling scenario for examining ethical decision-making, personal responsibility, and the role of organizational policies in enforcing ethical conduct.

Organizational Culture and Ethical Lapses

The workplace culture at the restaurant appears to be lax and unaccountable, with management turning a blind eye to unclean practices. This environment fosters unethical behavior, as employees perceive no repercussions for violating policies. The casual handling of food, such as serving food that has fallen on the floor and neglecting hygiene protocols, presents serious health hazards. The fact that supervisors participate in these practices signifies a normalization of unethical conduct, which undermines the company's ethical standards and compromises consumer safety.

Impacts of Unethical Practices

Unsafe food handling can lead to serious health consequences for customers, including foodborne illnesses and recalls. The retrieval and reuse of contaminated food items breach public health laws and violate ethical obligations to consumers for safe products. Moreover, such practices diminish customer trust, damage brand reputation, and could lead to legal liabilities if outbreaks of illness occur. The complacency of employees, motivated by bonuses for quick service, exemplifies how performance incentives can conflict with ethical standards and safety considerations.

The Ethical Responsibilities of Employees and Management

Employees like Julie demonstrate a disregard for the fundamental duty to serve safe and hygienic food. Their justification—that serving food quickly takes precedence over safety—reflects a utilitarian view where the ends (fast service and bonuses) justify the means (compromising safety). Management's failure to enforce policies further aggravates the ethical lapse, illustrating systemic ethical failure. Ethical leadership requires setting a tone at the top that prioritizes safety and integrity over financial incentives, ensuring that employees internalize these values.

Personal Ethical Responsibility of Steven

Steven faces an ethical dilemma: whether to remain silent or to act. His observations and growing concern suggest that silence could contribute to ongoing unethical practices and potential harm. Conversely, reporting these practices could jeopardize his job or lead to conflict. Personal integrity and moral responsibility should guide Steven, as ethical decision-making involves weighing the consequences of action versus inaction. Ethical theories such as consequentialism suggest that ensuring customer safety should override concerns about potential repercussions for himself.

Recommended Ethical Actions

Steven's first step should involve addressing his concerns through appropriate channels within the organization, such as speaking to a supervisor or reporting to corporate ethics. If internal avenues fail or are unsafe, external agencies like health departments could be contacted. Additionally, he could seek support from colleagues or labor unions advocating for safe working conditions and ethical conduct. Whistleblower protections can help safeguard employees who report misconduct.

Conclusion

The case underscores the importance of cultivating an ethical organizational culture that emphasizes safety, integrity, and accountability. Employees like Steven have a moral obligation to act when observing unethical practices that threaten public health. Organizations must enforce policies stringently and foster leadership that models ethical behavior. Only through a commitment to ethical standards can companies ensure consumer safety, protect their reputation, and maintain stakeholder trust.

References

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