To implement or not to implement, a manager’s dilemma
To implement or not to implement, a manager’s dilemma
2/2/2014
CSUSB PA315
To implement or not to implement, a manager’s dilemma
In the business world is common that managers might face an ethical dilemma. This is the case of Jonica Gunson, the environmental compliance manager for the small plastic manufacturing company.
We first look at the stakeholders that will be affected by her decision. Not only the environment which includes the fish in the waters that neighbors the factory, but the ultimate benefactor will be the human beings that live in the communities that might end up consuming the fish. We do not forget the company that needs to have a profit to survive, with all its employees, its shareholders or the investors in the company, also the company’s creditors or the banks that rely on a profit from the financing of the company.
The ethical dilemma the manager is facing is whether the company should do the minimal of what the government or the law is requiring, as Milton Friedman said “there is one and only one social responsibility or business – to use its resources and engage its activities designated to increase profits so long as it engages in free and fair competition, without deception or fraud” or try to withhold the highest ethical behavior and be considered exemplary, as Bill Ford said: “A good company delivers excellent products and services, and a great company does all that and strives to make the world a better place.” (Corporate Social Responsibility: Doing well and doing good)
This does not have to be a black or white or all or nothing choice, but Jonica Gunson might choose a gray area, might choose to be somewhere between these two extremes, where the company is able to be at this moment in their corporate life.
If I were in her place, and given that I know about the recent findings about the particular toxin potential damaging effects, I would chose to install the new technology even if face to lose my job
2/2/2014
CSUSB PA315
To implement or not to implement, a manager’s dilemma
In the business world is common that managers might face an ethical dilemma. This is the case of Jonica Gunson, the environmental compliance manager for the small plastic manufacturing company.
We first look at the stakeholders that will be affected by her decision. Not only the environment which includes the fish in the waters that neighbors the factory, but the ultimate benefactor will be the human beings that live in the communities that might end up consuming the fish. We do not forget the company that needs to have a profit to survive, with all its employees, its shareholders or the investors in the company, also the company’s creditors or the banks that rely on a profit from the financing of the company.
The ethical dilemma the manager is facing is whether the company should do the minimal of what the government or the law is requiring, as Milton Friedman said “there is one and only one social responsibility or business – to use its resources and engage its activities designated to increase profits so long as it engages in free and fair competition, without deception or fraud” or try to withhold the highest ethical behavior and be considered exemplary, as Bill Ford said: “A good company delivers excellent products and services, and a great company does all that and strives to make the world a better place.” (Corporate Social Responsibility: Doing well and doing good)
This does not have to be a black or white or all or nothing choice, but Jonica Gunson might choose a gray area, might choose to be somewhere between these two extremes, where the company is able to be at this moment in their corporate life.
If I were in her place, and given that I know about the recent findings about the particular toxin potential damaging effects, I would chose to install the new technology even if face to lose my job
References: Montgomery Van Wart (1998). Corporate social responsibility. Doing well and doing good. California University San Bernardino pgs. 1-15 Mintz Steven M. (2014). Ethical Obligations and Decision Making in Accounting Pg. 23