Professional Applications In Service Learning Problem Solvin

Professional Applications in Service Learning Problem Solving Scenarios Directions: Select one of the following business scenarios and apply the IDEAL problem-solving method

Identify one of the given business scenarios—either about Roger Richardson's computer disposal, Melissa Anderson's trust issues, Donna Blakeny's hotel incident, or Kristina Simmons's marketing campaign—and analyze it through the IDEAL problem-solving process. Your analysis should include how to identify the problem, define it clearly, explore possible solutions, act on the best solution, and look back to evaluate the outcome. Your paper should demonstrate critical thinking, ethical considerations, and practical application of the problem-solving steps, supported by credible sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The advent of ethical decision-making and problem-solving frameworks in the business environment highlights the importance of structured approaches like the IDEAL model. Applying such models allows managers and employees to confront complex scenarios systematically, ensuring ethical, legal, and organizational standards are upheld. For this paper, the scenario involving Kristina Simmons and her marketing campaign for a high-interest loan provider offers a compelling context to demonstrate the application of the IDEAL problem-solving method in a real-world business ethical dilemma.

Identify the problem: Kristina Simmons is faced with developing a marketing campaign that promotes loans with initially low interest rates but subsequent high rates, targeting lower-income families. She perceives this as exploitative, especially given her observations of the company's culture focusing more on sales than on helping customers. Her concern is compounded by her awareness that the campaign could mislead vulnerable populations into debt they cannot afford, raising ethical doubts about its legitimacy and social impact. Recognizing this, Kristina’s immediate challenge is to identify whether the problem is simply a marketing ethics issue or also involves organizational pressure, personal integrity, and potential legal implications.

Define the problem: The core issue is the ethical dilemma Kristina faces: whether to proceed with the campaign that potentially harms consumers or to oppose it based on her ethical judgments. The problem can be articulated as: How can Kristina ensure that her marketing efforts align with ethical standards and organizational policies without jeopardizing her job or facing retaliation? Additionally, she must consider the implications of promoting a product that could be inherently unfair, given the high-interest rates after a grace period—raising concerns about exploitation and consumer vulnerability.

Explore possible solutions: Kristina has several options. First, she could raise her concerns directly with her manager, William Richardson, emphasizing the ethical issues involved and advocating for a more transparent or socially responsible campaign. Second, she might seek advice from the company's ethics or compliance officer, if available, to better understand the legal and ethical boundaries. Third, she could connect with external sources such as professional associations or industry watchdog organizations for guidance on responsible marketing practices. Fourth, Kristina could attempt to modify the campaign messaging to emphasize transparency about the interest rates, thereby reducing potential deception. Lastly, if her concerns are ignored or dismissed, she could decide to escalate the issue to higher management or consider whistleblowing, understanding the potential personal and professional risks involved.

Act on the best solution: After analyzing her options, Kristina might decide that raising her concerns with her manager is the most immediate and feasible step. She could prepare a clear, evidence-based presentation outlining the ethical issues, consumer risks, and possible reputational consequences for the company. She should also suggest alternative marketing strategies that focus on transparency and customer well-being. If her manager dismisses her concerns or pressures her to proceed regardless, Kristina could escalate the issue to the corporate ethics committee or seek external advice. It’s essential she documents her communications to protect herself legally and ethically.

Look back and evaluate: Once the problem has been addressed—either through revised campaign messaging, policy changes, or escalation—Kristina needs to evaluate the outcome. She should reflect on whether her actions led to a more ethical marketing approach and if the organization’s practices improved. This includes assessing customer responses, sales performance, and internal feedback. If her intervention resulted in a more transparent campaign that better protects consumers, her ethical concerns would be validated, reinforcing the importance of ethical problem-solving. Conversely, if no change occurs and unethical practices continue, Kristina might consider whether her values align with her employer and explore other employment options or external advocacy avenues.

The application of the IDEAL problem-solving method in this scenario emphasizes the importance of ethical reflection and proactive behavior in the workplace. By systematically identifying, defining, exploring, acting, and evaluating, Kristina can navigate complex ethical dilemmas responsibly. Ethical decision-making models like IDEAL not only safeguard consumers but also promote organizational integrity and personal professional growth, illustrating their significance in contemporary business practices.

References

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