The Case Of The Reference Request By Jim Balassone's Ethical Dilemma

The study of ethical behavior outlines various frameworks that can be applied in different ethical situations where a dilemma is present. In “The Case of the Reference Request” by Jim Balassone a sensitive ethical dilemma is raised for the business person as he is confronted with the request made by his former employee. The key ethical issue present in this situation is whether the business person should follow the request of the employee to recommend her in a positive light to her prospective employers or to tell the truth and mention her drinking problems and work related issues that arise from it. In this situation I feel that when looking at the bigger picture or long-term effect of my decision it becomes clear what I should do. Although

Binging upon the maxim that asks “what if everyone could do it?” in this case, the solution is clear to the business person and that is to not recommend her in only a positive light. The business person would acknowledge her troublesome work ethic and any job related issues she has that are caused by her drinking habits. As German philosopher Immanuel Kant stated, “Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law” (“Categorical imperative,” 2015). If all employers provided misrepresented recommendations and followed the will of their employees then no business would be successful and there would be an unsuitability of workers in the workforce, potentially jeopardizing business operations and negatively affecting stakeholders. Another question to be asked is “if the business person would be comfortable with his decisions being published on the front cover of the newspaper?” what is known as “The Globe and Mail Test.” In this situation, the misrepresentation of the employer’s recommendation would undoubtedly receive embarrassment and potentially destroy the company’s reputation and future talent search. Therefore the solution from a categorical imperative approach is clear that the business person should provide a recommendation that is true to the facts and is independent from any personal motive or