ethics case study 2 solution
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Seneca College *
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NLM201
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Information Systems
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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3
Uploaded by CaptainRook3602
1.Mistakes made by Boeing:
MCAS Design Flaws: Boeing designed the MCAS to automatically adjust the aircraft's angle of attack, but it had critical flaws. It relied on a single sensor, making it vulnerable to erroneous data and contributing to the accidents.
Inadequate Pilot Training: There were concerns about insufficient training provided to pilots regarding the new system. Some pilots were not adequately informed or trained on how to respond to MCAS malfunctions.
Communication Issues: Boeing faced criticism for not adequately communicating information about the MCAS to airlines, pilots, and regulators. This lack of transparency raised questions about accountability.
Regulatory Influence: Reports suggested that Boeing lobbied for and received regulatory exemptions, possibly compromising safety standards.
2.Ethical Theories:
Consequentialism: Boeing's actions may be seen as prioritizing short-term gains and cost-cutting over the potential consequences for safety. The decision to lobby for regulatory exemptions could be viewed as a consequentialist approach focused on economic benefits rather than ensuring the well-being of passengers and crews.
Deontology: From a deontological perspective, Boeing may be criticized for not adhering to moral duties and responsibilities related to ensuring the safety of their aircraft. Lobbying for exemptions from safety regulations could be a violation of these duties.
Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics emphasizes the development of good character traits.
Boeing may be criticized for lacking virtues such as transparency, honesty, and a
commitment to safety. The company's actions may have been driven by a focus on profit rather than the broader virtues associated with ethical business conduct.
3.Factors Affecting Decision Making:
Tunnel Vision: Boeing may have had tunnel vision, focusing on the development and delivery of the aircraft or maybe wanted to increase profits by cutting costs. Thus, neglecting safety implications.
External Pressure: Boeing likely faced external pressures, such as deadlines, competition with other aircraft manufacturers, demands from stakeholders, etc. These external pressures might have influenced decisions related to safety and regulatory compliance.
Communication Breakdown: There appears to be a clear communication issues about the MCAS system. It seems it was not communicated properly to pilots, airlines, and regulators. This lack of transparency contributed to the accidents and scrutiny.
Question 1: Some mistakes of Boeing
Rush on mast produce the new model without sufficient testing
Fail to disclose important information or train pilot on the new features
Rely too much on the autopilot
Question 2: Some theoretical theory the company fails to live up to are
Consequentialism :
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences.
The company prioritized market competition and profit over customers safety and compliance. The
consequence of this decision was that critical safety issues were overlooked or not adequately addressed, leading to tragic accidents and loss of life.
Deontology : Deontology is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties, regardless of the consequences.
From a deontological perspective, Boeing had a duty to prioritize the safety of passengers and to adhere to regulatory requirements related to aircraft certification and safety standards. However, Boeing's decisions to rush the development of the 737 Max, to rely heavily on automated systems without providing adequate pilot training, and to withhold critical information about the MCAS system from regulators and airlines can be seen as violations of these moral duties.
Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that focuses on the character traits and moral virtues of individuals and organizations. Their decision to prioritize company success rather than customers safety demonstrates a lack of virtuous character traits within the organization and its leadership. For example, Boeing's decision to lobby American Federal regulators to be exempted from certain safety regulations can be seen as lacking honesty and integrity. Instead of openly addressing safety concerns and working to improve the design and certification process of the 737 Max, Boeing engaged in efforts to circumvent regulations for its own benefit. In addition, the company's failure to disclose critical information about the MCAS system and its implications for pilot training can be seen as a lack of responsibility towards the safety of passengers and the wider aviation community.
Question 3: Some factor affecting decision making include:
Market competition
Company financial target
Corporate culture that emphasizes profit over safety
Pressure from shareholders
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