Desperate Air Case

The situation Mr. Nash was presented with in “Desperate Air” poses an ethical dilemma where more than two values that he upholds as being “right” are in conflict with one another - loyalty and honesty. Benton Williams (CEO) presented Mr. Nash with an extremely difficult to decision to make of selling the property to help DAC recover from major financial downfalls no matter the cost. Mr. Nash knew what was expected of him, but his moral compass found this decision troubling because he did not want to be dishonest to Fledgling Industries about the toxic waste present on the property. Had I been in the shoes of Mr. Nash I would have asked myself the eight questions on how to make ethical business questions presented in Trevino et al (52-58). By answering these questions I would have provided my mind with the framework for making an ethical decision by first recognizing that this situation raises ethical concerns (ethical awareness), second by deciding what’s the “right” thing to do (ethical judgment) and third by taking action.

Using the steps presented in Trevino et al (52-58) I would have first gathered all the facts about the toxic waste, which it seems Mr. Nash did by contacting the DAC lawyer and reading up on the environmental reports presented to him by Williams. Next, I would have identified the stakeholders in the situation - DAC, Williams, employees of DAC, myself, Fledgling Industries. I would have determined what the consequences would be had I chosen to disclose the information - loss of sale, loss of job, loss of business for DAC, risk of DAC folding - or had I chosen not to - sale of property, increased cash flow for DAC, stability for DAC employees and myself, loss of money and unsafe purchase for Fledgling. I would have assessed my obligations and to whom - loyalty to Williams and DAC for my job and moral honesty to Fledgling as a sales person to a customer. My own personal integrity and character come into question because as a...