add part III to this project Part III: Case Analysis Critical Thinking Questions (two pages) In this section, you will answer each question after the case study. Your paper should then focus on a s

Volkswagen Emission Issues

PART I

My study topic focuses on the Volkswagen emissions issue and what went wrong with fitted software to beat regulator. Volkswagen's intentional manipulation of emissions data in diesel vehicles is at the heart of this problem, which appeared first in the public limelight in 2015. The company retrofitted millions of its diesel vehicles with pollution-test-detection software that automatically adjusted the vehicles' performance to meet federal guidelines. Nitrogen oxides and other harmful pollutants were emitted at substantially higher concentrations from these vehicles under regular driving conditions (Jong, & van der Linde, 2022). Volkswagen's misconduct cost the company a lot of money, as well as the faith of its customers and the reputation of its product.

The concept found to be interesting in this issues facing Volkswagen's is the firm deliberate scheme to mislead regulators and circumvent environmental safeguards. Volkswagen actions had far-reaching implications for a company's reputation and bottom line, and it raises questions about corporate ethics and the value of regulatory oversight. In light of the possible monetary and reputational repercussions of unethical behavior, this case serves as a cautionary tale for managers about the importance of upholding ethical standards (Jong, & van der Linde, 2022). The case highlights the significance of regulatory compliance and good corporate governance in preventing similar scandals.

PART II

The issue with millions of Volkswagen diesel vehicles was that their emissions data had been purposefully manipulated, leading to the current emissions scandal. The company designed and installed software in these automobiles that could recognize when they were undergoing emissions testing, at which point the software would adjust engine performance to meet statutory requirements (Jong, & van der Linde, 2022). When driven normally, however, these vehicles released pollutants, mostly nitrogen oxides, in quantities much beyond those allowed by environmental regulators. This scandal broke in 2015 when researchers and authorities discovered the scam and the finding was put to the public. In this instance, the concern was breaking the law, and ethical guidelines on air emission.

Not only did Volkswagen's actions violate emission rules, but they also betrayed the trust of consumers who thought they were supporting environmental protection by purchasing cars from the company. The scandal caused heavy fines, legal action, a drop in consumer confidence, and a damaged brand image for the company (Jong, & van der Linde, 2022). Managers should be aware of this case because it shows how unethical behavior can have devastating consequences for a business. The long-term financial and reputational damage that can arise from transgressions highlights the importance of maintaining transparency, ethical behavior, and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of good monitoring and ethical leadership for long-term performance, highlighting the role of corporate governance in preventing and correcting such challenges.

Part IV: Application

Understanding the Volkswagen emissions scandal has expanded my understanding of business ethics and governance. This instance emphasizes the essential need to maintain ethical standards inside a company. As a working person, this knowledge impacts my approach to decision-making and the significance of conforming to regulatory compliance. It highlights the need to choose ethical behavior above short-term advantages, particularly in areas where regulatory scrutiny is important (Cox et al., 2017). My studies on the Volkswagen case have greatly informed my view on problem-solving in the workplace. Previously, I may have prioritized reaching immediate goals or fulfilling targets above evaluating the ethical consequences of particular behaviors. However, after my investigation, my perspective has altered. I've seen firsthand the devastating effect that unethical acts can have on a company's brand, profitability, and customer confidence. As a result, I am more motivated to advocate for ethical practices, regulatory adherence, and transparent workplace behavior, taking into account the larger ramifications of actions beyond immediate advantages.

Part V: Conclusion

To summarize, the Volkswagen emissions crisis serves as an important lesson for both corporate organizations and people in management. The intentional manipulation of emissions statistics demonstrated the severe effects that unethical activity can have on a firm. This case highlights the importance of ethical leadership, regulatory compliance, and open business procedures. The most important message from this study is that ethical behavior is more than simply a moral requirement; it is a critical component of any organization's long-term success and survival. This study experience has unquestionably been beneficial. It has offered insights into real-world corporate wrongdoing and its consequences, allowing for a better understanding of the value of ethical decision-making and regulatory compliance in company operations. The Volkswagen case study not only expanded my knowledge but also informed my attitude to ethical issues and governance in a professional environment, making this research experience very beneficial to my professional growth.

Reference

Jong, W., & van der Linde, V. (2022). Clean diesel and dirty scandal: The echo of Volkswagen’s dieselgate in an intra-industry setting. Public Relations Review, 48(1), 102146.

Reflection Letter

I'm writing to convey my appreciation for this course's wonderful learning experience. Reflecting on this semester's journey, I've discovered that this class has had a significant influence on the way I approach critical thinking and problem-solving in numerous circumstances. The focus on ethical issues in business activities has been one of the most noteworthy lessons from this course. Investigating examples such as the Volkswagen emissions scandal has changed my outlook on corporate ethics and governance. It's been eye-opening to learn about the consequences of unethical activity on a company's reputation, financial status, and customer trust. It has ingrained in me the need to preserve ethical standards in decision-making processes, not just for immediate consequences but also for an organization's long-term viability.

Among the several subjects discussed, the Volkswagen emissions scandal piqued my interest. The premeditated effort to mislead regulators and customers by manipulating emissions statistics was both stunning and persuasive. This topic jumped out because of its complexity; it contained ethical, legal, and environmental concerns, which piqued my curiosity. Understanding how a corporation's activities might affect not just its financial situation but also the environment and public trust has been stimulating. The complexity of this case compelled me to go further into understanding the interweaving variables that resulted in such a big business scandal.

Typically, this course has helped me comprehend the complex link between ethical behavior, corporate governance, and sustainable business practices. The investigation of real-world examples, notably the Volkswagen emissions scandal, prompted me to reconsider my approach to decision-making and problem-solving. I am thankful for the chance to interact with such thought-provoking information, as well as the knowledge I learned, which will surely affect my future activities.

Thank you for your guidance and for fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and meaningful reflection.

Sincerely,

Narda Uria Soregaroli