Ethics 301

Trident University Ethics 301

TUI University

ETH301

Module 1

Case Assignment

DR. Steven Gold

I absolutely agree with the firing of Boeing CEO Harry Stonecipher. Everyday we are all forced to make ethical decisions. Regardless if it is at home or in our workplaces, we must all make ethical decisions regardless of personal gain or loss. Correct ethical decisions must be made from the top of the management chain to lowest ranking member to ensure productivity and good moral standards at all times.

The Boeing Company has been the center of attention for the past several years, involved in several ethical related scandals leading to the Government banning Boeing from any satellite launches to the loss of multi billion dollar contracts with the US Air Force that eventually led to the resignation of the former company CEO Phil Condit.

Mr. Stonecipher is a veteran CEO that was called out of retirement to help fix Boeings already tarnished ethical past. He was brought in to strengthen the company’s code of conduct and to not tolerate even the most minor infractions. From a deontological standpoint, Mr. Stonecipher was the man for the job. “He drew a very bright line for all employees, and when one does that, you have to live by that standard.” said Lewis Platt, Boeing Chairman. In the end, the same moral obligation that Mr.Stonecipher was using to lead with ended up being his own demise.

Because of Boeings past, this form of leadership is what the doctor called for. A strict, zero tolerance would have brought company standards and morale back to where it needed to be.

The consensual affair was not illegal by company standards and did not violate Boeing’s code of conduct; board executives could not take the risk of another ethical related scandal. When confronted, Mr. Stonecipher admitted to the affair and there was no evidence of any misappropriation of company funds.

As the saying goes, it takes two to tango and...