Case Study: Social Contract

After reading the case and understanding the dilemma that is being faced at hand, there is no reason why Brenda should make this one-time request. Even though her boss is asking her to go back and turn the other cheek and act as if there wasn’t any winnings involved that would be wrong. As an accountant she has to do the ethical thing and report what is needed and do what is right. Brenda needs to think about the possible outcomes that she could face if she does or does not do what is asked of her. She also needs to think of ways to handle this situation. As an accountant she made a promise to do what is right and obey the rules. She also knows that there shouldn’t be any exceptions made for anyone. When Brenda goes back to her office to

If Brenda was under the influence of stage 3 “Fairness to Others” she would report the winnings because it’s only fair to everyone and no one should be given special treatment because of status. If she is under the influence of stage 4 “Law and Order” she would follow the law and put the winnings on the Tax return. Looking at level 3 which is postconventional the last two stages fall under there. If Brenda was influences by stage 5 “Social Contract” it’s hard to say what she would do because she would need to see how her decisions affects everyone else. If she was influenced by stage 6 “Universal Ethical Principles” she would do what was right. Also the Four-Component model of ethical decision making can play a key role on what Brenda decides to do before she meets with her boss. There is moral sensitivity, moral judgement, moral motivation, and moral character. These components will explain the individual’s behavior or actions based on her level of moral development.

Brenda has two options that she can do, one is to do as the boss says and she doesn’t report the winning. The second option is that she does report the winnings and tells her boss that it’s the right thing to