Benji

Benji’s Decision: A Case Study in Business Ethics

When we think of corporate culture we think of companies’ such as Disney World and Chik Fil A as stellar examples. Key elements of corporate culture include a clear corporate vision, corporate values that are consistent with the mission statement and aligned with the personal values of organization members, and a high value placed on employees at all levels. (Evan Carmichael) When reflecting on corporate culture and the company New Gen, their corporate culture appears to be flawed. The corporate vision of New Gen is contradicted by the CEO’s professional track record, which is building companies up and selling them off. The mission statement, “to create a healthier America” does not seem to be the priority of the company through the CEO’s actions and comments.

The alignment of personal values and New Gen is out of sync when referencing their contribution to Planned Parenthood. The CEO asked a mother to remove a child from a pep rally because it was crying. Do you think high value was placed on this employee? It is my belief that honor and integrity are knowingly being violated within this company. The acknowledgement by the recruiter of the misleading advertising is a clear example. If they deceive their customers, who else will they deceive?

When Benji mentioned the “Gripe Site”, the recruiter’s response was not what you would expect from a company with an industry- leading ethics code. Spiritually, the company appears to use the word of god, but not live by it. This is evident within the corporate sermon as well as the comment made by the recruiter about being able to “talk the talk”, because Benji was Christian. The insinuation of driving sales by being able to influence people with religion is disconcerting. Religion should not be used as a sales tactic or a way to influence people to buys things.

The industry code of ethics emphasizes honest and fair dealings with customers as...