Ethics_Game

Ethics Game: Reflective Journal Introduction: In this paper, we will analyze two cases: the Case of Fair Warning and the Case of Stringent Standards. First, we will need to identify the stakeholders involved. In both cases, the stakeholders include the various members of G-BioSport such as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), operations director, quality control manager, director of public relations, shareholders of the company and also the consumers of the company. These are the groups of people who will be directly affected by any decisions or changes made to G-BioSport. The Case of Fair Warning: From the point of view of a quality control manager, I made the decision to inform the various stakeholders about the increase in risks which they are exposed to. This is achieved through the dissemination of information through various sources like posting an information sheet on our company’s website and informing the media and the press. If possible, a hotline can be set up to allow consumers to have their enquiries answered. Only with enough awareness on the problems and issues with the company’s goods and products can consumers make informed decisions and take the appropriate actions. In this case, there are two options which the company can engage in to resolve the problem. The first method will be collect back all the tainted goods and refund the consumers their money. The second method will be to collect back all the tainted goods and replace them with better ones. This is in line with both utilitarian ethics and deontological ethics. From the point of view of the utilitarian, warning consumers will allow a great part of the society to benefit as such it is a moral and acceptable action. From the point of view of a deontologist, it is essentially unacceptable to lie or hide the truth, hence it is only correct to inform the consumers about the risks which they are exposed to. In addition, by being responsible to the consumers, consumers will also be more confident and loyal to the company as they are sure about the morals and virtues which guide the operation of the company. The Case of Stringent Standards: In this scenario, I made the decision to apply U.S safety standards to all goods and services produced by the company. Even though the set of safety standards in United Standards may be much higher than what is required by other countries. I feel that it is only correct to not compromise the standards and performance of our company. In addition, consumers should be treated equally and everyone should deserve the same quality of goods. This is in line with the utilitarian ethics as well. In this case, using U.S safety standards as a guide in production of goods and services regardless of the destination of the goods and services will increase level of satisfaction for all consumers. In addition, we do not want any consumers to experience any problems due to a compromise in the quality of products which will have a direct impact on the company’s reputation as well. Therefore, adhering to stringent standards will benefit both consumers and the company. (Velasquez, Andre, Thomas Shanks, & Meyer) Relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts Even though profit-maximization is the main aim of most business organizations, it is still important organizations make ethical decisions while pursuing its organizational goals. Thus, it is important that everyone has a clear concept of what is morally acceptable, what the values which we should uphold and virtues which we should display so as to ensure that organizational behaviors are ethical. These can be achieved through various methods. For example, the organization can establish a code of conduct which will be used as a guide for all its members to manage their behaviors. In addition, corporate culture which is based on moral awareness and ethics can be cultivated to instill key concepts like virtue, morals and ethics in the members of the organization. Workplace examples There are various concepts in this simulation which relates to my workplace. For example, as representatives of our company, it is our job to advice consumers on the strengths and weaknesses of our goods and services. Like how G-BioSport has warned consumers about the risks of its products, it is important that we do not cheat the consumers and give them a false impression of the products and services of our goods and services. It is only right that consumers are paying for what they are going to get instead of what they think they are going to get. This is in line with the deontologist’s perception that lying is always wrong. Similarly, we must also ensure the standard and quality of our goods and services. We cannot sell goods which we know are faulty or easily spoilt. This will compromise the level of trust and confidence of the consumers and will only harm the company in the long run. Ways in which external social pressures influence business ethics In the simulation, G-Biosphere is not only accountable to consumers but also to its business partners and various shareholders as well. Therefore, it must ensure that its behavior is ethical so that it will result in negative effects on its business partners and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, there are laws and legislation which guides organizations in the society. Therefore, the company can held liable for any problems associated with its products and services or should its attempts to hide the truth and place the public at risk be uncovered. As such, these are some forms of pressure on the organization and its business ethics. References Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Thomas Shanks, S., & Meyer, M. J. (n.d.). Thinking Ethically:A Framework for Moral Decision Making. Retrieved August 8, 2009, from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/thinking.html