Ethical Decision Making

1. Yes. Though law includes ethical standards, ethics is not about legality. As long as it produced greater good regardless of non-compliance with laws, it is ethical. For example, in act utilitarianism, violation of rule is justified when the consequence demands for it as long as it will produce most benefits, since under utilitarianism, morality is about producing good consequences despite absence of good intentions.

For example, it is illegal to defy traffic rules, but in case for example delivering a family member to the hospital using private car, it is deemed ethical to violate such rules (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060907204018AA9fSUz).

2. It is not true that we can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Ethics are originated from our surroundings, basically from home. However, as we grow, our ethical standards also developed and affected by the society and people. As studied by Lawrence Kohlberg, there are stages of moral development that is related to age. Thus, ethics is a continuous learning. Further, an ethical person should be open to other’s outlook and review his principle accordingly.

3. Being “mabait” is one of the Filipino traits which if abused can be a weakness. Managers who cannot control the virtue of being “mabait” may be personal/biased to his decision. He might tolerate the employees’ wrong doings because of the trait. Also, from the employee point of view, they might take advantage to their managers. For example, not being punctual in reports and attendance thinking that its acceptable because their manager is “mabait”.

4. I think this is unethical and the decision is prejudiced. One’s hard work and personality cannot be judged only based on tattoo. It does not mean that if you have tattoo, you cannot perform well the assigned duties and responsibilities assigned. The company should have studied the work performance of those existing employees tattoo to evaluate further their...