Ethical Dilemma

Ethical Dilemma

Heidi Jozwik

MGT 407

3/4/12

Summarize the dilemma

Juanita Maxwell is an effective manager that takes the time to learn about her employees’ personalities and play to their strengths. This results in a successful and cohesive work environment. Juanita has a new employee, Sandra, who is difficult to understand. Sandra behaves in very contradictory manners, which results in confusion. This also makes Sandra not fit in well with the rest of the team. Sandra acts shy at work, but outgoing at company functions outside the office. Sandra barely voices a greeting to her boss, but confidently states her opinion during morning office meetings. Juanita is uncomfortable with Sandra’s inconsistent personality and wonders if she is a good asset to the team even though she performs her duties well. The ethical dilemma is whether or not Sandra should continue working for Trumble and Sons after her actions and personality have been analyzed.

Using consequential, rule-based, and character theories, evaluate Juanita’s options

Consequential theories of ethics focus on the results of a particular behavior. Consequential theories judge an action as right or wrong based on an analysis of the consequences of that action. The action in question in question here is the inconsistent personality that Sandra appears to have. The inconsistent behavior is leading to a less cohesive team. Analyzing this behavior alone, Juanita may choose to let Sandra go and search for an employee that fits in with the team better. Another action that must be analyzed is Sandra’s job performance. Sandra has been performing exceptionally well, which likely results in added sales for the company. If Juanita were to terminate Sandra’s employment, then the company may lose sales. Juanita’s action plan would depend on what her goal is. If she is focused on the work environment, then Sandra’s employment should be terminated. If Juanita is focused on sales, then the situation...