Application of Ethical Theory to a Case Study Vignette Essay

Application of Ethical Theory to a Case Study Vignette - Essay Example The essay begins with that most ethical decisions possess enough clarity for individuals to decide on their course of action rather easily. This is because most of these issues often pit wrong against right. Deciding on whether to embezzle company money, for example, is not a real ethical dilemma since this is stealing. However, things can become murky when there is more than one vital responsibility, right, or value. In this case, one has to choose one unpleasant alternative. This can be defined as an ethical dilemma, where more than one value can be defined as right, thus causing a conflict. The firm, in response to a difficult economic climate, has taken a decision to restructure, which will involve selling off one less profitable operation and streamlining most of its support functions. Inevitably, this will cause compulsory layoffs at the firm. As part of the team working on this plan, Jagdeep knows that the plan is a top secret because it is price sensitive. Hannah is a colleag ue of his who also happens to be a former college-mate, and they often have drinks after work. Hannah, in charge of a five-member team, is eager to hear about the restructuring progress from Jagdeep over drinks one day, wanting to know if her team will be affected. This is of particular importance to her since she is very concerned for her employees and knows of their personal plans, such as two members who plan to take substantial new mortgages. Jagdeep finds himself in a dilemma, as he knows that two of her members are on the redundancy list. Jagdeep faces a real ethical dilemma. Two right values creating a conflict for Jagdeep in making this decision are loyalty and truthfulness. As the case shows, telling a friend the truth would show disloyalty to the firm that pays his perks and treats him well. The paper explores theoretical approaches to making ethical decisions. The approaches are not perfect and may lead to differing conclusions. Using various approaches will help Jagdeep think comprehensively and carefully about various dilemmas and to prevent him from coming to accident-prone conclusions. At the least, Jagdeep can have a degree of satisfaction from thinking thoroughly about the issue and analyzing it from all possible angles. Jagdeep can also explain the process of decision making if asked by both parties in the future. Consequentialist Theory The consequatialist theory can also be referred to as the teleological theory (Banks, 2011: p34). When Jagdeep is attempting to decide on whether telling Hannah is wrong o r right, the theory puts more focus on the consequence of the action or decision. One the best-known Consequentialist theory is utilitarianism. According to utilitarianism, ethical decisions need to maximize societal benefits, as well as minimize any harm it may cause. In this theory, what is of importance is the net balance the good consequences over those that are bad, overall. The utilitarian approach to Jagdeep’s dilemma would involve the identification of all affected stakeholders in the situation and seeking alternative action and the consequences, benefits and harms, for each stakeholder. A stakeholder is understandably any individual or group of individuals that have a stake with the restructuring plan at Jagdeep’s firm. In Jagdeep’s situation, this includes his friend Hannah, Hannah’s colleagues, his boss, Jagdeep himself, other co-workers, and the firm. The list is quite long, making the consequences even far-reaching, whether he told Hannah abo ut the laying off, of her team members or not. The Consequentialist approach needs Jagdeep to perform a mental calculation of all benefits and harms of the resulting consequences, considering each stakeholder individually (Griseri & Seppala, 2010: p46). What would be the consequence of Jagdeep telling Hannah what he knows of the lay-off? What