What is the ethical issue?
The ethical issue in this scenario is ignoring company protocol and jeopardizing the quality of the products by pushing it through despite test results indicating that they did not meet quality standards agreed upon. The dilemma is whether the product should be pushed through to clinch the contract or go against management and reject the products based on quality. This is tricky because if the product is rejected and fraudulent act reported to upper management there would be strained relationship that is likely to deter success in the company. Important facts of the ethical dilemma entail knowing clearly that if the product is pushed through it would be jeopardizing company reputation. Moreover, when it is later discovered that product quality was compromised just to clinch the contract blames will be directed to the person that performed the test and signed off on the report. It is unknown whether disparities in product quality will be discovered. The individual with important stake in in the outcome is the person who conducted the test and certified that everything was alright, but concern are raised on quality of product and company reputation
- What are the possible options?
The option that produces the most good and does less harm is pushing the product through to initiate mass production and thus make the company establish dominance in the industry. In this case the company will generate more revenue leading to more success, credit will go all those who participated in the process. However, dropping the contract on quality compromise would best respect rights of those involved. The company will still establish its dominance based on quality standards compliance. The client would be in a position to receive only quality products. Company management would be assured of ethical conduct especially on ensuring quality standards of products. The same option also treats people equally and also serves the needs of the community to ensure that only quality products reach the clients. However, the first option of pushing the deal through is important for the company and my career development and success.
- Make a decision.
Decision will be to push the deal through despite tests indicating compromise in quality. This decision is supported by utilitarianism moral theory that implements fair choices that causes minimum harm to the parties. Products will be delivered to the client, management relationships will not be strained and the individual conducting the test will establish strong foundation for success. This theory best fits in the ethical dilemma because it ensures a thorough analysis of actions and corresponding outcomes, the best course of action based on the benefits or harm of the actions without regard to the cost of the action.
- Evaluate your decision.
Consequences of the decision are improved relationship in the company while compromising quality of products. When it is later discovered that quality was compromised in order to clinch the contract possible outcome will tarnished image and reputation of the company. The best way to implement the decision would be to make everybody aware that products did not meet quality standards and understand that the failure was minimal and may not adversely affect the final products after mass production.
- Reflect on the outcome.
Studies have established that people have their own values, belief and attitudes that inform their decisions when confronted with different ethical dilemmas (Shafer-Landau 23). Values are important in empowering our decisions and not impose our own ideas to clients and stakeholders at workplaces. This situation has highlighted on the importance of considering potential outcomes become arriving at a decision. The best decision is to push the product through because potential outcome will be favorable to most members in the case.
Work Cited
Shafer-Landau, Russ. Ethical Theory: An Anthology. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell,
- Print.