Identify The Ethical Dilemma And Frameworks For Decision-Mak ✓ Solved

Identify the ethical dilemma and frameworks for decision-making

The purpose of this exercise is to explore ethics and decision making within organizations. After reading the case:

1. Identification of Dilemma: Address the following (limit to 1 page):

   a. What is the overall ethical dilemma?

   b. Who can be impacted by the dilemma (people and/or groups)?

2. Ethical Frameworks: Provide a brief overview of 2 Frameworks (Approaches) to Managerial Ethics (1+ pages per framework).

   Name each sub-section after the ethical frameworks you choose.

   a. Choose from: Utilitarian, Deontology, and Virtue.

   b. Expand on these with external sources.

   c. This is not copy/paste from the internet. Be sure to write this in your own words based on your research.

3. Evaluation of Ethical Dilemma: Provide outcomes to this ethical dilemma (2+ pages).

   Address the following in this section:

   a. Which framework (from the two you’ve explained in the previous section) you believe will guide you in this situation? Explain.

   b. What are the implications of this decision?

   c. If you had been guided by the other framework addressed in section 2, what would have been the positive and negative implications?

General Instructions:

• Use the bold phrases above as section headers; do not repeat the entire question.
• This is not an opinion paper; I am not looking for “I think” types of responses.

Paper For Above Instructions

Identification of Dilemma

The ethical dilemma presented in the Beech-Nut case revolves around the conduct of a group of employees during a ski trip. The actions that led to complaints of disrespect towards the flight crew raise serious ethical concerns. Certainly, the business face of Beech-Nut is at risk due to these employees’ behavior. The dilemma lies between maintaining the integrity and reputation of the company while being fair and ethical in addressing the misconduct of a few employees. The primary stakeholders impacted by this ethical issue include the employees involved in the misconduct, the HR manager tasked with addressing the issue, company leadership led by Thomas Rex Gibbs (T-Rex), the company’s reputation, and the customers who rely on the integrity of the Beech-Nut brand.

Ethical Frameworks

Utilitarian Approach

The Utilitarian ethical framework is based on the principle of producing the greatest good for the greatest number. In this framework, the outcomes of actions are analyzed to determine what leads to maximum utility (Bowie, 2017). The focus is on the consequences of actions rather than intention. In the case of the Beech-Nut employees, a utilitarian perspective emphasizes addressing the misconduct in a way that results in a long-term positive impact on the company’s image and employee morale. By taking decisive action against the employees involved, the company can reinforce its commitment to ethical behavior and employee accountability, potentially preventing further misconduct in the future. This approach extends beyond mere punishment; it seeks to educate all employees on acceptable workplace behavior, thus fostering a more ethical corporate culture.

Deontological Approach

Deontological ethics, rooted in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, dictates that individuals should act according to a set of rules or duties that respect the intrinsic rights of others (Kant, 1785). This perspective prioritizes the principles of honesty, respect, and fairness over the consequences of actions. Applying this framework to the Beech-Nut scenario would require the HR manager and company leadership to uphold the moral obligations that the company has to both its employees and the wider community. It's imperative to respond ethically by conducting a proper investigation into the incident despite the pressure from T-Rex to act swiftly. This aligns with the company’s core value of promoting a positive workplace culture and maintaining respect for all individuals, including flight crew members (Jones, 2019).

Evaluation of Ethical Dilemma

In evaluating the dilemma, the utilitarian framework appears more suitable for guiding the decision-making process in this context. The imperatives for quick action due to potential damage to the company's reputation indicate that preventing further infractions and promoting a culture of accountability is paramount. By addressing the actions of the employees involved with firm yet fair measures, Beech-Nut could maintain its image and enhance its ethical reputation in the industry. Ideally, this would benefit the organization by avoiding any fallout from negative publicity and ensuring that the majority of employees, who adhere to ethical standards, feel valued and supported (Frankena, 2018).

The positive implications of a decision based on the utilitarian framework include the reinforcement of ethical behavior within the company, a potential increase in employee morale, and the preservation of the organization's reputation. Conversely, negative implications could arise from alienating the employees involved, potentially making them feel they were treated unfairly without appropriate investigation. This aligns with the deontological approach, which emphasizes justice and fairness for all individuals, including employees accused of wrongdoing.

If guided by a deontological approach instead, the implications would shift significantly. The commitment to ethical standards would demand a thorough investigation into the incident before any punitive actions are taken. While this may initially seem a tedious process, it would ensure that all parties have their rights respected and are treated justly. The positive outcomes would include reinforcing loyalty and trust from the employees who feel their voices are heard, whereas negative consequences may include delayed actions leading to potential reputational risk. This procedural integrity risks overlooking the urgent need to protect the company's reputation amidst public scrutiny.

Regardless of which approach is taken, meaningful engagement with the issue and open communication regarding ethical standards established by the company is crucial. Discussions not only about the consequences but also about the importance of ethical standards in preserving the company's integrity would serve Beech-Nut well in the long run.

References

• Bowie, N. E. (2017). Ethical Theory and Business. Pearson.
• Frankena, W. K. (2018). Ethics. Prentice-Hall.
• Jones, T. M. (2019). Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations: An Issue-Contingent Model. Academy of Management Review.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Rest, J. (1994). A Multidimensional Approach to the Development of Moral Reasoning. Developmental Psychology.
• Schwartz, M. S. (2016). Ethical Decision Making in Business. Business Ethics Quarterly.
• Velasquez, M. (2015). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
• Freeman, R. E. (2010). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Cambridge University Press.
• Colley, L. (2016). The Ethics of Leadership: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Parker, C. (2020). Ethical Communication in Organizations: Key Considerations for Practitioners. Routledge.