Ethics Journal Completed
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Brandon Berridge
Ethics Journal Module 1: Week 1
Reading: Hill - Ch. 1
1.
What do you think Maria should do? Why?
A: Maria should fire Abe. I feel this way due to the fact that both Abe and Barb are very comparable when looking at production. Barb does have some family issues impacting her performance (which can be addressed later by Maria). Though Maria did tell Abe this would be a long-term position, things have changed, and the company is moving in a different direction that is outside of her control. 2.
What guidance does the holiness-justice-love model provide for her?
A: In this situation, it's tough to demonstrate all three of these when having to make the decision of who to let go. Maria should be honest with Abe about why she has to let him go. He was the last
to join the team, has average performance, and the company has to cut expenses in order to continue to operate. Providing him with support in any way possible as he transitions into a new job demonstrates love. Additionally, she can try to get him some kind of severance package for having to terminate him to help financially support him as he searches for a new job.
3.
Of holiness, justice and love, which would be the most difficult for Maria to apply? Which is generally most lacking in the marketplace? A: Justice would be the most difficult to apply given that she is having to let go of Abe. Terminating a position within a company is never an easy thing to do for all parties involved. Further supporting him after would be her demonstrating love and holiness.
Reading: Hill - Ch. 2
1.
What do you think Jonah should do?
A: In this situation, I feel that Jonah should take the opportunity to lead the audit. He will have to stay strong in his faith even though he doesn't agree with the company's values but should look at this as god providing him an opportunity to grow in further advance in his career.
2.
If Jonah follows the guidelines of this chapter, what should he do?
A: He will lead the Audit team while staying strong in his Faith. Hill mentioned in chapter two that Jesus stated we should remove ourselves form common life but discover holiness in the
midst of it. Jonah can conduct himself in a holy manner while still performing his job even though
it doesn't align with his religious beliefs.
3.
Identify holiness concerns in your workplace (or a previous workplace). Have these concerns been properly resolved? How or why not?
A: My current employer does a good job of noticing issues of Holiness and correcting them before
they are a problem. In correlation to this we have a prayer room that is available to anyone when making all religions inclusive in the work setting. Additionally, they are a highly profitable company and have started a committee called “Men On Margins” (MOM Fund) where the committee members donate money to certain organizations, people, or communities that need help. Most recently this took place in the form of a coat drive where we purchased 25 coats to be given out at a local school that needed some assistance. Module 2: Week 2
Reading: Hill - Ch. 3
1.
In your opinion, is this action just? Why or why not?
A: In my opinion, I feel that the public discussion is just a technicality. The members already know the decision they are going to make due to the consensus of the community. Since more members will not be affected by the changes, they are more likely to be pro-growth than their counterparts who live close to the soon-to-be newly built manufacturing factoring. I feel that the decision is justifiable from a business standpoint is just but unfortunately, there wouldn't be a solution that would be cost-effective to the business and the local homeowners. 2.
Analyze the commission’s action in light of this chapter’s definition of justice.
A: I say the commission did appear to implement justice by giving the local people 2 hours to voice their opinions on the matter. I do strongly believe that the members had already made their
decisions prior to this due to the election coming up 3.
Does the concept of holiness provide any additional insights?
A: I feel that the company could have implemented holiness by considering the local housing market and the impact the new factory would have on them. In correlation they could have sold the land to another company that need office space and allocated those funds to find a more remote sight that would have a direct impact on the local community. 4.
Identify a situation in your work environment (or a previous one) that raised justice concerns. Was is resolved justly? How or why not?
A: Most recently we had a situation arise where a coworker was driving a company vehicle after hours while drinking and totaled the vehicle. The company waited a few days and then fired the
employees. I feel in this situation the employee was 100% in the wrong but the company could have made accommodation to give him a second chance. His work performance was top tier and he was and all around good employee but he did make a costly mistake. I feel that grace, compassion could have been taken in this situation Reading: Hill - Ch. 4
1.
What do you think Dora should do?
A: I think Dora should have compassion for Ralph given the situation. She should also explore ways to help Ralph get his niece the money she needs to get her own medication so that he doesn’t have to resort to stealing hers. We all make mistakes and under the circumstance it's understandable. Ralph could have also reached out for help prior to stealing the medication. 2.
What is the “loving” thing for Dora to do?
A: Show compassion for ralph in the situation. Ralph is probably a good human being but under the circumstance turned to stealing in order to provide for a family member. I’m noting this is justifiable, but she should understand the reasons for his actions. As Christians we must understand that we all make mistakes and should forgive each other for their wrongdoing. 3.
Analyze the case through all three moral lenses – holiness, justice and love. When combined, what guidance do they give Dora?
A: Show compassion and love for the situation and put herself in his shows. Maybe he didn’t have anyone that was willing to help him get the medicine? Implement justice by showing him the actions were wrong and correct them will providing the holiness and love to help him moving forward get his niece her own medicine. Module 3: Week 3
Reading: Hill - Ch. 5
1.
What do you think of Christy’s list? Do you agree more with her or with Jean? Why?
A: I agree more with Christy but so see some value in working at some of the jobs she listed in the
argument. As Christians we are called to serve other just as Christ served others while he walked the earth. Being a bartender for instance may allow the opportunity to witness to someone who would have not had the opportunity to cross paths with a Christian believer previously.
2.
How does the concept of vocation apply to this list? A: Christy has a strong belief that Christians shouldn’t be working at these types of job which is demonstrating vocation in the situation. Additionally, there can be value in these situation due to
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being able to witness to non-believers.
3.
Have you ever worked with someone who treats business like a poker game? Do you envy or pity this person? Why?
A: I have and always viewed them sneaky due to telling multiple lies in order to achieve the desire result they were after. I always felt like being upfront and honest would be the best approach and the other person would understand and a compromise could be made were both parties are equally getting satisfied. In my example they lied about the amount of money they had
in a budget in order to keep their profit margin higher making them look good to higher up manager. This resulted in the contractor making less money for the work he completed.
Reading: Hill - Ch. 6
1.
How would positivism analyze this case?
A: Positivism would pertain solely to the scientific evidence of all the data. In this situation the data integrate is low due to participants being able to lie about information on the reports leading to inconsistent result in all the data sets. The finds would be inconclusive. 2.
How would an integrated Christian approach analyze this case?
A: The Christian approach would be to implement a procedure and polices across the industry to help in increasing the consistency of the data. In turn this will create a better reputation and also give the clients the result that they are wanting to achieve while having accurate information about the paternal fathers genetics. 3.
What are your personal feelings about these practices? A: Personal I feel that there should be consistency among the data and more rigorous requirements to ensure clients are getting the genetic results that they desire. Additionally, when
looking at the cliental that use these services, I feel that they have the right to choose what they do with their bodies and can use whatever service they want regardless of how I feel about the situation. 4.
Describe conduct you have observed at work that, though legal, seemed to be less than ethical. A: the biggest thing that I have noticed is the ability to manipulate margins in order to make the company more monies. Personally, I have been in the situation to where I could have easily made them more money, but it would have come at overcharging a homeowner for services that were less expensive that estimated. In that situation I offered them a credit and was still able to hit the desired margins that job had in place. Module 4: Week 4
Reading: Hill - Ch. 7
1.
Has Sovanny acted correctly? What, if anything, would you have done differently? If nothing, explain why. A: in this situation I would have served her the drink. Even though it against my moral this customer has her own decisions to make. Sovanny brought it to her attention the danger it presented by her consuming alcohol during pregnancy, but she still wanted to do so which is her decision. Sovanny did the right thing even if the customer didn’t appreciate it. I do see his point of
not originally serving her due to his strong beliefs but under the circumstance had to due to his manager. 2.
What moral guidance do the concepts of this chapter provide in this case?
A: The biggest guidance would be moral ambiguous concerning the situation. The customer was made aware of how her decision could impact her but still decided to proceed anyways. At this point it was out of Sovannys hands and he did his duty as a Christian to bring light to a dark situation. 3.
Identify moral dilemmas you have experienced (or witnessed) in your role as an agent in the workplace. A: One unmoral thing I have witnesses was seeing an employee take certain tools from the workplace because he knew that they were logged, and the company would purchase new ones thinking they were left on the job. It put me in a tough situation but after this I suggested to my manager that we implemented a system to track all tools going on a job sight to help in preventing this in the future. Additionally my coworker knew how I felt about the situation without me saying anything to him and so far, I have not seen or heard of him doing it again. Reading: Hill - Ch. 8
1.
How should Hue respond to Jan’s second question?
A: I feel he should voice words of encouragement will demonstrating the Christian value of love and justice. This is someone’s child who they love dearly and are excited about starting a new chapter in there live. Hue should be encouraging while also not responding with negative comments that may hurt Jan’s feeling about her child. 2.
Is lying ever justified? If so, when? If not, why not?
A: In this situation it is a double-edged sword. I feel that lying is unethical, but I also see how telling your true thoughts could also have negative repercussion. In both situation there will be some negative aspect so I would lie due to the negative repercussions not being so severe to external participates.
3.
Describe a workplace deception you have witnessed. Did this undercut trust, community and the dignity rights of others? What other impacts did it have?
A: At my recent job I witnessed a situation where my boss kept promising and employee a raise month after month. One day my boss told me that he had no desire to give this employee a raise due to his performance. In my opinion I always wonder why the boss never talked to the other employee to help him perform at a standard that would justify him getting a raise. It was almost like my old boss didn’t care if that employee stayed with the company or not. In correlation this would also be one of the reason why I left that company and went to work for another company in the same industry. Module 5: Week 5
Reading: Hill - Ch. 9
1.
Do any of the five possible exceptions to truth telling discussed in this chapter justify Elmer’s strategy? Discuss each. A: When looking at if conflicting duties apply, I would say it does due to Elmer needing to promote the items to increase sales and profits to avoid having to move his mother to a nursing home. In this situation I understand the need for promoting the product so early but do feel there
could have been other options. When looking at Mutual Deceits I feel it is strongly relevant in this
situation due to advertising the product two week's before they were even ready to be sold and also by using and old picture of the product. The third is the right to hear the truth and in this situation, I feel that it is not applicable. There are too many unknown things in this situation. If there was a starting sale date on the advertisement, then I would say that customer technically did see the information. If that information was on their then this would have been demonstrated. Ultimately, I do feel they should have had more information on when the sale started and when the products would be available for purchase. Exaggeration is present by offering and item for sale and not actual having it available. Ambiguity is also present due to Elmer understanding the repercussions for his actions by stating he would just pay the fines with
the increase in profits. 2.
What do you think Elmer should do?
A: personally I feel that he should have never run the ad in the first place but now due to all the backlashes will have to find a way to compensate the customers to attempt in rebuilding the relationship. This should take place in the form of and official apology as well as some promotional coupons on current items Reading: Hill - Ch. 10
1.
What information should Gail conceal? Disclose? To whom?
A: if Gail informs her parents, then she would be demonstrating a from on inside trading which is unethical. This is a tough situation to be in and I feel that either option will come with a feeling of guilt as well as not upholding Christian duties. I do feel that informing her parents that that
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probably isn’t the best place to be investing money would be okay to do. Additionally, steering them away from the company without directly coming out and telling them the reasons why. 2.
Are there any creative solutions for Gail’s ethical dilemma?
A: The best solutions would be to try and convince her parents to invest that percentage of their portfolio into another asset. Additionally, this doesn’t have to be and asset she has and affiliation with to avoid moral conflict of interest in the future. 3.
Reviewing the last three chapters on honesty, lying and disclosure, did the two advertisers act ethically in their marketing of Listerine?
A: I do feel that they were being ethical and not being dishonest in this situation. They did demonstrate not disclosing information to the customer about what halitosis was which led to a lot of people purchasing the product without that information. I honestly don’t see and issue with
this due to the products fulfilling what it was marketed to do. Additionally perception is often reality, and this will always help sales. 4.
Have you ever felt uncomfortable concealing information? What did you do to resolve the tension? A: At my current work I caught wind form my boss that they were getting ready to fire one of the employees. This guy was honest, polite, and ethical but did make a few mistakes with his tenure with the company. Additionally, I knew this information about 2 week's before they finally let him go and did throw out bits and piece of information for him. I asked questions like “what would you do if you didn’t work here” where he responded with his plan for employment. Nonetheless I still felt very bad when they did fire him but he never confronted me about knowing prior to him getting terminated form the company. 5.
Describe a situation in which you improperly disclosed information. A: At a previous job my boss had told me a few people that were getting Christmas bonus but told
me not to tell anyone. I ended up telling another coworker who was also getting a bonus and felt strongly that he would tell anyone. A few days later there was a lot of controversy around the office due to the people getting bonus and the people who were not. Ultimately this all-stemmed form me informing another coworker of the information I received and wasn’t supposed to inform anyone else. I ended up having a meeting with my boss expressing my apologies for the issues I caused by telling another coworker of the bonus. 6.
Have you ever “blown the whistle”? What was your justification? What were the results?
A: When I worked as an entry level tradesman for my current employee I caught and employee stealing form the work truck. Initial I didn’t say anything to my boss but did confront him about it. He assured me it would happen again and then a few month later it did. I ended up telling my boss about the situation where he was thankful. We ended up doing a tool inventory system that corrected the problem any of the employees in the company that was doing the same actions.
Module 6: Week 6
Reading: Hill - Ch. 11
1.
Should Harry change the company’s management philosophy and structure? If so, how? If not, why not?
A: I feel that the system should be altered but in a way that will benefit a strongly work life balance for the employees. Implementing a reward program for sowing a set number of items a month can help in engaging the employees to work hard of have goals in the workplace. As far as the boring repetitive motion to would be hard to fully change that given the industry the workers
are operating under. 2.
What risks does Harry run if he does not make any changes? A: Over time the working structure could become obsolete and result in employees leaving the industry for higher paying jobs elsewhere. Harry must implement structural advancements to help in staying ahead of the competition while also paying his employees a fair wage to retain them for the long term. 3.
Does your supervisor (or previous supervisor) lean more toward Theory X or Theory Y? What impact does this have on your level of motivation and performance? A: my current employer demonstrates theory Y more for multiple reasons. They allow us to make
our own scheduled and do require us to be in the office for set periods of time as long as we are completing are tasks properly. They also incorporate a monthly meeting for us all to express are ideas and concerns to make the entire day to day process better. Essential placing a high priority on the team atmosphere. 4.
If “covenantal management” were fully implemented in your company, what changes would have to be made? A: There would be set times we would have to be in the office as well as a time clock for us to clock in with. Additionally, we would also have to follow direction daily form upper-level managers and do the task they ask us to complete instead of completing the task we see need to be done. Essential taking all the employee responsibility out of the day-to-day business duties. Reading: Hill - Ch. 12
1.
What dignity principles, if any, have been violated in this case? A: In this cases the potential employee privacy is being violated. No employer should be allowed to access a potential employee’s home. That is all part of their private life and should in no way affect if they are hired by a company or not. Additionally, the majority of the things on the application that are disclosing people are all private matters that don’t need to be disclosed or talked about anyways. Outside of being a felon and traffic violation (if driving a company car) this
information doesn’t have to be given.
2.
How do you react to HC’s approach? Which criteria do you deem to be appropriate? Inappropriate? Why? A: the only two areas I see as being appropriate are the felon background information and the traffic violation. The traffic violations are only relevant if they will be providing a company vehicle. The other 6 things on the lost are all private matters that will not affect the day-to-day operation in the workplace. 3.
Have you ever witnessed an unfair disciplinary action or dismissal at work? How did you react? Explain. A: At a previous employer upper-level management fired a guy on the sport because he questioned them about a corporate policy. Instead of educating him about the matter the upper-
level manager got upset he was even asking and told him that “ today is you last day here”. This untimely left me feel very uncomfortable and I eventually left due to this issue. Not having the ability to ask question in the workplace seems very strange to me. I also didn’t like how the manager handled the situation. Module 7: Week 7
Reading: Hill - Ch. 13
1.
In what ways is the situation in India similar to that in the United States? Dissimilar?
A: Essential they are allowing a certain number of potential students an opportunity to do something they may not have done without imposing these regulations. This is similar in the United States and university’s that have to accept a select percentage of students form different cultural backgrounds to become diversified. Additionally, it is also in the workplace in regard to both race, and gender. 2.
With which side do you agree—the protestors or the government? Why?
A: I agree with the protestors. I feel that everyone should have and equal opportunity to and education but by blocking off 50% for lower income students seems very extreme to me. I do feel that there should be a certain percentage allocated for this though. Having a 50% quota to meet will make it highly competitive for upper class to get in while making it extremely easy for lower class to be accepted. 3.
Describe incidents of workplace discrimination you have witnessed. A: I witnessed this when I was in education. A high school student made a racist comment toward
another teacher, and I overheard it. Instantly I was overwhelmed with anger and escorted the student to the office. When informing administration about what had transpired, he lied saying that he didn’t say anything like that, and they ended up not doing any disciplinary actions. 4.
What are your views on affirmative action? A: I feel like their affirmative action should be incorporated slightly. I feel that if all things are
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equal the hardest worker should be rewarded for their efforts. Incorporating affirmative action give opportunities to those that may not have had them previously, but this should only be to give them a foundation needed to further demonstrate their work ethics which would essentially show their ability to complete a job, task, or assignment efficiently. Reading: Hill - Ch. 14
1.
How would the following environmental ethics evaluate this case? What recommendations
would each make? Why?
A.
Anthropocentric
B.
Biocentric
C.
Theocentric
A: Anthropocentric is demonstrated by having the waste in areas that are close to other humans who may be exposed to these chemicals without knowing. Additionally, placing a higher priority on man’s ability to correct a problem without focusing on nature. Biocentric places a value on nature which is present in the case study by having the nonprofit corporation involved to help aid in the situation on behalf of the residents. Theocentric places a priority on god being the master of all life on earth. In the example this is not demonstrated when dumping the man-made waste into god’s creations. 2.
Describe any environmental moral dilemmas you have experienced either at work or elsewhere. How were they handled? A: The only example that comes to mind was when I worked at a tire shop when I was in high school. My first month they’re after filing up the oil drum my boss took the oil drum out back and dumped 55 gallons of oil in the woods. I later went home and asked my parents if that was pretty typical and that told d me it wasn’t and that they make recycling places for that. This demonstrated an Anthropocentric approach by prioritizing man over both nature and god. When going back home a few years ago I noticed the shop had closed down. Unsure if this had anything to do with the years of him dumping oil into the woods. Module 8: Week 8
Reading: Hill - Ch. 15
1.
What guidance does this chapter provide for Dave and Bonnie?
A: God does not give use things that we do not deserve. Building another home by a lake would be reaping the rewards of their labor. Dave’s Uncle must have thought a lot about the person he was due to him leaving him the property and cash. Though this can be utilized and spent to help other it comes down to the balance that seems right to both Dave and Bonnie on what they do with here gift. 2.
What would you do if you were in their situation? Explain.
A: Personally I agree with Bonnie and would build the house. Not only would this make lifelong memories with my children but also be something I could one day pass down to them when they have children. Owning two homes doesn’t mean someone is selfish or unjust but that they have worked hard to obtain those two homes. 3.
Describe a situation, at work or elsewhere, in which property was used in a positive way. A: Our company cycled out the old work truckers and agreed to let the employees buy them for tax value. At this point at time the tax value was nearly 1/3 of what the value of the vehicle was. Given employees a 2/3 discount on something they could have sold for more was a positive thing.
Most worker did in fact purchase their vehicle to keep for personal use even though this money could have been allocated to help someone in need. It was essentially a reward of their labor. 4.
Describe a situation in which property was used negatively.
A: I have a friend who has about 7 cars two of which were probably well over $50,000 each but he refuses to buy a house. All of these vehicles are paid off and if he would just sale 6 of them, he would have more than enough to purchase a home. He vents to me often that he is tired of his current landlord who doesn’t accommodate all his vehicles in which he keeps some at his parent’s house. 5.
Which way do you tend to view property – more positively or negatively? Explain.
A: I view it positively due to allowing to make life more efficient. Houses, cars are great but what purpose due they serve? Does my car get me to work? Yes. Then it is fulfilling a positive need for me. The same goes for a house. Does it provide shelter and warmth? Yes. Then it's positive and fulling my need. Having multiple of these items without having a justifiable needs other than just wanting it would be negative. Reading: Hill - Ch. 16
1.
Do you agree or disagree with Starbucks’ approach to doing business in Saudi Arabia? Why? A: Due to this being the cultural norm in Saudi Arabia I would agree with them. Now I will say that I don’t agree with personally but form a business standpoint it fits the cultural norm and will
reduce controversy that may hinder people from using their product in that given region. 2.
Discuss one additional area that was interesting to you in this chapter. A: The fact that “big pharma” now does testing in other countries due to the reduced number of laws concerning it and a lower incomed population. These people struggle to get money just to eat. That being said they will willing do the clinical trials cheaper than anyone else due to this. 3.
Describe the ways in which global business has impacted your life.
A: Global business allows me to purchasing things that I need and receive them in a timely manner. Now a days anything can be ordered from across the world and be at your doorstep in a week. This is beneficial to me because I live a very high paced life and am always looking for ways
to become more efficient.
4.
How do you personally react to bribery, sweatshops and child labor?
A: Bribery has no in business or someone’s personal life. This is unethical and morally wrong. Sweatshops and child labor are unfortunately part of many cultural norms in other countries. I don’t agree with them and would prefer to produce products in other areas that don’t implement this if I was in charge of making said decision.
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