Application Of Ethical Theory To A Case Study Philosophy Essay

Application Of Ethical Theory To A Case Study Philosophy Essay John is a loyal employee and has been working at the same firm for many years, since the current manager was a child but a year ago John’s son and wife died in an accident, which led to John being depress. He turn up for work late, sometimes drunk and often absent. He has been repeatedly warned but his behaviour hasn’t change. The manager decides to keep him on the job; did he do the right thing? It can be acknowledge that business ethics is the process or the study of standard and principles that guide the expected behaviour in the business world. Although businesses must make a profit to ensure survival, efforts must be made in order to balance the aspiration for profit against the desires and needs of society. (Ferell 2002). Ethical decision-making is the process by which one makes choices about ethical issues, based on a set of standards that separate right from wrong. It reflects an understanding of the principles inherent in ethics, and the various philosophical approaches to ethical decision-making. Ethical decision-making also requires a systematic framework for tackling difficult and often controversial moral questions, as mention in the case study on whether Michael has done the right thing by keeping John on the job. With the business world changing all the time, a large variety of stakeholders may have an interest with an establishment, such as customers, shareholders, the media, government, non- government, employees and investors. Undoubtedly, they have a shifting level of authority on the growth and operation of the business. The case study illustrate 4 key stakeholder; Michael the manager, employees, family members and customers. It is vital that every stakeholder is taken into account before a decision is made. As mention by Freeman (1984) a stakeholder of an organisation is people who can influence or is impinge on by the achievement of the business objectives’. For instance to sack John, will it help his family? Will it help other employees? Will it benefit the business? All these questions must be taken in account before sacking John. A factor that determines a decision is based on how pertinent or important the case is, or the intensity of the issue.   The importance of issues varies from time to time, and is influenced by one’s values and beliefs. Individuals and their values is one of the greatest challenges faced as it relates to organizational ethics.   Individual factors are important in evaluating and resolving ethical issues.   Conflicts between co-workers usually arise in the workplace and decisions that are made are based on their beliefs and moral philosophies.  Ã‚   Ethical issues importance reflects an individual’s feelings, thereby activating the ethical decision-making process.   The management can influence an ethical decision through rewards or punishments.   Employees should train workers on how to handle ethical issues which is a step in developing the employees’ ability to make decisions which will also enhance organizational ethics. Without a doubt, the decision to dismiss John will have a major impact on him. This is due to the fact that he is unskilled. Getting back to employment will be difficult as all businesses will look for someone who has skilled. In addition it will be hard to get back into employment due to the fact that businesses may ask him why he left his previous job and to say â€Å"I got the sack† will not please to the employee.