Assignment 4 Suggested Length: 1400 to 2000 words Ethical Theories to Apply: Utilitarianism, Universal Ethics, Golden Rule, Virtue Ethics Task You work in the Ethics Department for ABC Company (ABC).

ETHICS 4

Facts

Luke, an employee in ABC Company is faced with an ethical dilemma regarding an investment in which the company he is working for is planning to undertake in the coming one month. The company wishes to start an adult entertainment joint in a locality where his mother, named Owen lives. Owen, enjoying a close relationship with her son Luke, had hinted to him that she wanted to sell the piece of land she is living in given a green light of a good buying price by any offer. Luke understands that setting up of the entertainment joint by ABC Company will result in price depreciation of the pieces of land around the area. Now, the ethical issue that arises from the scenario is whether Luke can break the confidential news of the company to his mother or not to do that. By speaking the company’s secret information would compromise the confidentiality of the project which ought to be kept secret according to the company ethics as well as compromising his integrity in the company and he may lose his job if the information comes to public domain.

Issue

With the ethical dilemma presented above, the question that come forth is, what is the right thing that should be done in this scenario; should we advise Luke to break the news to his mother? Or should we advise him to follow the company’s code of ethics regarding disclosure of such confidential information to the public with the company’s acceptance?

Ethical Lenses and Analysis

When faced with such an ethical dilemma, individuals have a choice of utilizing a number of ethical theories to come up with the best answers to their specific dilemma. Such theories include the Golden Rule theory and Virtue Ethics theory. In Luke’s case scenario, the two theories are applicable. The first rule that he should consider before making the tough decision he is face with is the golden rule theory. What the meaning of this? In general, the principal entails the common phenomenon we have heard in the society all the time that; must treat others in the way you would like them to treat you. The sentiment is a maximum that is found in a number of cultures and religions and Luke should know that clearly. In Christianity for instance, Matthew 7:12 clear states that “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .” This rule basically guides how people conduct themselves and outlines the duty of an individual towards the wellbeing of their neighbors in a way that they would like to be treated in return. Therefore, in Luke’s scenario, what best action should he take? According to the ethical theory, what would he have wanted to be done to him if he was in the position of the company’s manager? Definitely, he would have wanted the company ethics to be upheld at all times and this is what will be right for him to do in this scenario.

The second theory that Luke may want to apply is that called the virtue ethics theory. The virtue ethics refers to a group of normative ethical approaches which dwell on character, virtues of mind and senses of honesty among individuals in the society. The ethicists in this category of ethics discuss the definition and nature of ethics and consequential issues that result from the actions of individuals. Rather than just doing one’s duty, the theory outlines that an individual should always do what is right according to the eyes of the community around. Therefore, While Luke may think that telling his mother the plans of ABC Company setting up an entertainment joint in the area is the smart move, he should consider what the company holds right for employees to do.

References

Armstrong, J. S., Green, K. C., & Graefe, A. (2015). Golden rule of forecasting: Be conservative. Journal of Business Research, 68(8), 1717-1731.

Smith, R. S. (2017). Virtue ethics and moral knowledge: Philosophy of language after MacIntyre and Hauerwas. Routledge.