Ethical Dilemma

A partner of a medium sized public relations firm is faced with a predicament. He is going through financial difficulties from mismanagement and is in dire need of a strong client. A demanding client who is capable of bringing in a multitude of money to the firm decides to show interest in the firm. The firm partner decides to put together the best team for the client. The team consists of: LaRayne, a research consultant with eight years of experience; Monroe, an incredibly productive graphic designer with over 15 years of experience; Jeff, a recent college graduate with limited PR experience who looks older with his prematurely gray hair and Drew, a responsible and dependable intern. The account manager for the team is Jane. She is a top earning account manager in the firm and is always praised for her hard work in what she does. She is 32, but looks exceptionally younger.

The client’s response to his first meeting with the team was shocking. He appreciates Jane’s zeal and enthusiasm for the client, but is looking for an older male to control his business. He thinks that women do not know as much about his company’s product and business like men do.

The request of the client is completely illegal, yet his account is capable of bringing in millions of dollars to the firm. After trying to explain Jane’s great potential to his business, the client is firm with his request to have a male manager in charge of his account. If Jane or her team is replaced, the reputation of the firm will suffer. There is also the possibility of Jane taking legal action for an unfair dismissal. Legal issues are not the case for the client; he would rather have a male in charge of his account. After finding out about the client’s rea...

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... The argument on whether or not to replace Jane is an ethical dilemma. If she is replaced; the firm is making an illegal decision. If she stays on the job, the firm could lose money, which is an important element for the firm’s success.

The firm’s best option is to obey the law by avoiding discrimination. Jane has the legal right to stay on the account. It does not matter if the firm loses money from the decision they are obeying the law of the nation. By looking at an utilitarian approach, taking a top-earning manager off of an important account would be a wasteful use of Jane’s merits. She is highly qualified and needs to put her talents to an important client. Regardless of the consequences of losing the client, Jane is notably an outstanding worker at the firm. Her success in various other accounts will result in potential clients in the future.