- 20 Marks
Question
You work at a company that produces table water and you know that a colleague, in connivance with one of the company’s drivers, steals packs of water from the store and sells them to customers. You are unsure whether to ignore the ongoing theft or report it to your boss.
Required:
a. Identify the technical term for your current situation in the scenario and briefly explain the term. (3 Marks)
b. Explain the consequential and non-consequential theories of ethics and specify how these can be applied in decision-making within the context of the presented scenario. (6 Marks)
c. What is the technical term for the decision to inform your boss about the theft, and what considerations should you take before making this decision based on the underlying theory? (11 Marks)
Answer
a. Ethical Dilemma
An ethical dilemma occurs when an individual faces conflicting moral choices, each with potential ethical consequences. Here, you must choose between reporting the theft (upholding integrity) and staying silent (possibly preserving work relationships).
b. Consequential and Non-Consequential Theories of Ethics
- Consequential Theory: Focuses on the outcomes of an action. In this scenario, reporting the theft could lead to company benefits (preservation of assets) but may affect your relationships with colleagues.
- Non-Consequential Theory: Emphasizes principles over outcomes. Reporting the theft aligns with the principle of honesty, regardless of resulting conflicts.
c. Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is the term for reporting unethical practices. Considerations before whistleblowing include:
- Potential impact on your relationships and career.
- Verifying evidence of theft.
- Following company procedures, such as reporting to HR or using a confidential channel.
This covers all parts of Question 4 as per your requirements. Let me know if further details or adjustments are needed!
- Tags: Consequentialism, Decision Making, Ethics, Whistleblowing, Workplace Theft
- Level: Level 2
- Topic: Ethical Issues in Corporate Governance
- Series: MAY 2024
- Uploader: Theophilus