Ethical Approach to Utalitarianism

1582 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The role of business ethics in the corporate world

Companies are faced with difficult decisions they have to make on a daily basis and Pegasus International Inc. is no exception (Freeman, 1991). In attempt to make the right choice, business ethics are implemented; which states the human conduct that is wrong or right in a business context (Shaw, 2011: 8)
A moral or ethical dilemma is when an agent must make a decision between two ethically compromising choices (White Hat Communications, 2014). In this scenario, Oswald faces a moral dilemma because he has to make a choice whether or not to expand the company by operating in China (Hackworth & Shanks, 2007). To operate in China, Oswald needs to pay off the Chinese authorities, and Oswald will have to disclose that the business is not a part of any bribery activities dishonestly (ibid).
A question Oswald will have to ask himself is also a question frequently asked in normative ethics: “What is the ethically right thing to do and how is it justified?” (Encyclopædia Britannica Inc, 2014).
At stake for Oswald and his company are a 100 million-dollar deal and the integrity of the company’s ethically correct reputation (Hackworth & Shanks, 2007). The clashing alternative actions Oswald are confronted with differs in moral rightness and the quality of the result of the action (CIMA, 2010). Oswald is morally obliged not to operate in China but at the same time, he is obligated.
This essay will discuss the ethical approach of utilitarianism that will help Oswald to choose the right action for him so that the company’s ethical reputation will not be ruined and the company will still be successful. There will be a critical evaluation, which assess Oswald’s situation and clearly discuss what appropriate actions needs to be taken by Oswald b...

... middle of paper ...

...Britannica Academic Edition: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/418412/normative-ethics
Freeman, R. E. (1991). Business Ethics: The State of the Art. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.
Gowdy, L. (2013, October 15). Virtue Ethics. Retrieved from ETHICS: http://www.ethicsmorals.com/ethicsvirtue.html
Hackworth, M. L., & Shanks, T. S. (2007). The Case of the Million-Dollar Decision. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
RSRevision. (2011). Utilitarianism: Criticisms. Retrieved from rsrevision.com/ethical theory: http://www.rsrevision.com/Alevel/ethics/utilitarianism/strengths_weaknesses_utilitarianism.pdf
Shaw, W. H. (2011). Business Ethics 7th edition. Boston: Wadsworth.
White Hat Communications. (2014). What Is an Ethical Dilemma? Retrieved from The New Social Worker: http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/What_Is_an_Ethical_Dilemma%3F/

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of The George S. May Company

    2426 Words  | 5 Pages

    This paper is an analysis of the ethical business decision matrix developed by The George S. May Company (May), a management-consulting firm. The paper will also compare how these guidelines were used by John D. Beckett (Beckett) in his company and how the author’s firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC (PwC), uses them. The guidelines are meant to be used by employees. These guidelines are specifically a measure of moral and ethical principles tied to business ethics in acceptability of right and wrong behaviour in the workplace.

    Read More

  • Unit 3

    693 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hartman, L. P., DesJardins, J., & MacDonald, C. (2014). Business ethics: Decision making for personal integrity & social responsibility (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.Shen, K.F. (2011).

    Read More

  • Case Analysis Using the Eight-Step Model

    1293 Words  | 3 Pages

    Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2011). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. New York: John Wiley.

    Read More

  • Companies: Ethics and Social Responsibility

    1842 Words  | 4 Pages

    Nelson, K., & Trevino, L. (2004). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley

    Read More

  • An Analysis of Hazing in the Military

    1817 Words  | 4 Pages

    Trevino, L., & Nelson, K. (2011). Managing business ethics - straight talk about how to

    Read More

  • A Corporate Code of Ethics is Not Enough

    2353 Words  | 5 Pages

    Brooks, Leonard J. Business & Professional Ethics for Directors, Executives, & Accountants. Mason: Thompson South-Western, 2004. p227.

    Read More

  • The Ethical Theory Of Utilitarianism

    807 Words  | 2 Pages

    In this paper I will be explicating in depth the ethical theory of Utilitarianism. I will be analyzing the controversy surrounding the theory, as well as the related topics of consequentialism and the idea of what is intrinsically and extrinsically valuable. Utilitarianism, the idea that the best moral decision is the decision that benefits the most people, is a morally wrong ethical theory as it devalues individuals rights and freedoms for the betterment of others.

    Read More

  • Is Puma Inc an Ethical Company?

    1818 Words  | 4 Pages

    Seawell, Buie 2010, ‘The Content and Practice of Business Ethics’, Good Business, pp. 2-18, viewed 22 October 2013, .

    Read More

  • Ethical Ethics Case Study

    1665 Words  | 4 Pages

    Many ethical dilemmas are philosophical in nature, an ethical issue can be described as a problem with no clear resolution. In order to solve the issue or dilemma a consensus between the parties involved must be reached. There are several reasons to come to an agreement over an ethical dilemma, it is the basis for all aspects of personal and professional dealings. Each one of us is part of a civilized society and as such it is our responsibility to be rational, honest and loyal in our dealings with others. (Alakavuklar, 2012) states that individuals make decisions for different situations in business life involving various ethical dilemmas. Each time either consciously or unconsciously individuals may follow some ethical approaches

    Read More

  • Ethical Dilemma Case Study

    1453 Words  | 3 Pages

    Everyone in this world has experienced an ethical dilemma in different situations and this may arise between one or more individuals. Ethical dilemma is a situation where people have to make complex decisions and are influenced based on personal interest, social environment or norms, and religious beliefs (“Strategic Leadership”, n.d.). The leaders and managers in the company should set guidelines to ensure employees are aware and have a better chance to solve and make ethical decisions. Employees are also responsible in understanding their ethical obligations in order to maintain a positive work environment. The purpose of this case study is to identify the dilemma and analyze different decisions to find ways on how a person should act

    Read More

  • Ethics in Business Decision Making

    986 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2011). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases. Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.

    Read More

  • Managerial Ethics

    1607 Words  | 4 Pages

    [2] An Ethical dilemma is defined as “a situation that arises when all alternative choices or behaviours have been deemed undesirable because of potentially negative ethical consequences, making it difficult to distinguish right from wrong” (Samson and Daft, 2005, p.158)

    Read More

  • Nike and Its Ethical Behavior

    1821 Words  | 4 Pages

    Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2013). Business ethics: Ethical decision making and cases: 2011 custom edition (9th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.

    Read More

  • The Characteristics Of Moral And Ethical Reasoning In Business Ethics

    1085 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the business world there are many fundamental aspects and situations that can lead to several issues. In order to find an optimal and professional solution, business decision makers need to apply moral and ethical standards. And it is at that moment in which business ethics perform its role. Business ethics, which is in charge of examine how companies and individuals should act in business situations, is very essential in order to reach a common agreement and to work within the laws of business and solve an arisen dilemma. Working of the hand of ethical business companies, employees, investors, directors, and even individual officers can be beneficiated and obtain most favorable outcomes.

    Read More

  • Toyota's Ethical Issues

    1423 Words  | 3 Pages

    Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2007). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right Fourth ed., Retrieved on July 30, 2010 from www.ecampus.phoenix.edu

    Read More

More about Ethical Approach to Utalitarianism

Open Document