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MGT 3110 Business and Society 2009/10
Coursework I
Application of ethical theory to a case study vignette
Instructions:
• Choose ONE of the following four cases
• Identify main (ethical) issues and key stakeholders in this case
• Evaluate the case using TWO ethical theories
• Explain how you would act in this situation, and why.
Your word limit must not exceed 1,600 words. Do not forget to include your word count in your essay.
The essay will be marked using the following criteria:
• Identification of issues and stakeholders
• Outlining of main features of ethical theories and application of theories to case
• Style and Presentation (including authenticity and accurate referencing)
Case 2
Michael works as a manager in his family’s business, which makes metal components and employs about 50 people.
One of his employees, John, is an unskilled, but loyal, worker who started working for the company when Michael’s grandfather was still running the business. Michael has known John since he was a little boy. During the last year Michael has observed that John frequently showed up late for work, usually a little drunk, or sometimes not at all. Michael knows that John’s wife and only son died in a car crash a year ago and that, to cope with his loss, John has taken to drinking alcohol. Michael has repeatedly talked with John about this problem but this has not changed John’s behaviour.
Michael’s company is currently facing some problems in the face of the current economic recession, and the resulting tendency of customers to search increasingly for cheaper products made overseas. The company survives because of its ability to deliver high-quality custom made products and a high standard of customer service, but there is always pressure to cut unnecessary costs. After some consideration Michael decides to keep John on.
Has he done the right thing?
Introduction
Business and ethics have long been a controversial issue in the business context. Nevertheless, many business activities still require the involvement of ethics for a better operation. The behaviour of business ethics is in accordance with what a business is dealing with the world everyday (Crystal, 2009). This essay will firstly discuss the main features of two different ethical theories. Following this, it will analyze the given case on the main ethical issues and key stakeholders. Finally it will put the application of the theories to the case and explain the acts in the manager’s (Michael) standpoint.
Main features of two different ethical theories
The first theory under discussion is the theory of ethics of duty. The main features of the theory lie in its consistency, respect for others and universally lawgiving. The theory holds that only by observing the same underlying rules can a behaviour be right. It considers that instead of merely a means, people should always be treated as an end. Besides, it claims that whatever principles made out of his action ought to be acceptable for every individual (Immanuel Kant, 2005).#p#分页标题#e#
Then is the theory of virtue ethics. The virtue ethics focuses on the character of decision-maker. It holds that actions are morally correct when conducted by virtuous actors. According to the theory, moral virtues can be acquired given a particular context of a community of practice, and if an actor has the right desires and motivations, he is virtuous (Beauchamp et al. 2009).
The main ethical issues and key stakeholders in this case
In Case 2, the main issues occur between the key stakeholders Michael and John in the company. As the company’s manager, Michael has the responsibility to attend to his employee’s interest and rights, and at the same time punish those who violate the company’s rules for the operation of the company. As for John, on one hand he has been a loyal employee of the company for many years, plus that he lost his wife and only son last year, which deserves others’ compassion. On the other hand, he is unskilled and shows up late or drunk for work, despite Michael’s repetitive talks to him. This will do no good to the company’s business of delivering high-quality custom made products and customer service.
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