Part 1: Solution

Andrew's problem would be easy to solve if there was only one "right" way to respond to his dilemma. However, he must choose between a number of possible courses of action which may or may not be ethical, depending on your point of view.

In the exercises below, evaluate whether the potential course of action described is ethical according to the utilitarian, rights, or justice views.

Recall the definitions of the three approaches to ethics that we have discussed:

• Utilitarian: doing the most good for the most people.
• Rights: protecting an individual's rights is paramount.
• Justice: doing what is fair for everybody involved.

Let's see how well you answered the questions.

	1.	In order to protect CanGo's secrets and therefore the future of all the employees who work at CanGo, Andrew decides to tell Liz that Gail is thinking of leaving CanGo and going to work for a competitor. This action is considered ethical from which perspective on ethics?
		Your Answer:
		Correct Answer: Utilitarianism
		If Gail leaves CanGo after seeing the strategic plan, then a large number of people at CanGo could experience financial pain. For this reason, applying the basic premise utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number), Andrew's action is ethical even if Gail is hurt by this action.
	2.	Andrew decides that Gail is a problem and the best way to solve the problem is to get rid of her. Andrew attempts to have her fired by telling Liz that she used his expense account to buy personal items. This action is considered ethical from which perspective on ethics?
		Your Answer:
		Correct Answer: Unethical from all three perspectives
		This action is simply unethical. It is based on deceit, treachery and scheming so that it cannot be considered ethical from any of the three perspectives on ethics.
	3.	Andrew decides that he cannot tell Liz that Gail is thinking of leaving because it is wrong to violate a confidence to another person. This action is considered ethical from which perspective on ethics?
		Your Answer:
		Correct Answer: Rights
		The Rights view of ethics is concerned with protecting the rights of the individual. The confidentiality of the information that Gail told Andrew must be protected because Gail has a right to privacy. Unlike the utilitarian perspective on ethics, the individual takes precedence over the group.
	4.	Andrew decides that he cannot tell Liz that Gail might leave CanGo because confidential information is, by definition, confidential. It must be kept private even if there are negative consequences to doing so. This action is considered ethical from which perspective on ethics?
		Your Answer:
		Correct Answer: Justice
		A justice view of ethics focuses on the application of rules and principles in a fair and impartial manner. A confidential piece of information is private by its very nature. This is a basic principle that must be enforced impartially and without thought to any negative consequences.



 
 
page 4 of 11 | go to page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11  

 

© 2002 by Prentice-Hall, Inc.