- What should Joe do in this situation?
In the case of Joe’s situation involving his decision making with the company, I think that Joe needs to do his own method on how the company would survive and regain the success. In a business, there will always be competitors who would try to let us go down and leave the business world. There will always be an enemy whenever we engaged in the business world. Even though Joe has a pretty good relationship with the other companies, his duty as the sales representative in UWEAR is far more important than all the outside factors that might affect his decision making. Michael Josephson (2010) explained that in a business, one’s character and personality is critical in achieving the “No.1” title because it is simply the main basis for trust and credibility. Nonetheless, your character will either destroy or reform your decisions as well as your reputations and of the company as well. Josephson listed several characters needed to surpass the success of one’s institution – the bottom line is that moral ethics combined with ambition and intelligence are essential to achieve the success of the company (2010).
- What ethical theory supports how you think Joe should react to this situation?
One ethical theory in the business world that is almost similar with my intuitions with regards to Joe’s situation is that of the Deontological theory of business. Larry Chonko (2012) said that in a Deontological theory, one’s duties and responsibilities are more important than any other aspects in a business organization. Accomplishing one’s responsibility is considered ethical according to this class of theory. In Joe’s case, I guess he just need to focus on his responsibilities as UWEAR’s sales representative because I believe that in doing so, I know that their company will gain triumph over their competitive networks. No matter what outside factor (in Samantha’s case) may arrive to them, his duties and obligations will be the main benefactor towards gaining the trust and loyalty of their customers. I wanted Joe to stick with his decision, prepare subsequent plans and actions, and if his decisions went well, or not, his actions were still ethically correct because he had done well on his obligations to the company.
- Why would you use this theory?
I guess that the Deontological theory is the most applicable for Joe’s situation. Sigalit Pasternak (n.d.) mentioned that “Ethical decision making is a process comprising several stages, each one affected by different individual, environmental, and situational variables.” Meaning, what lies one the consequences of the results that might happen depends on the capability on how Joe will manage to accomplish his duties and obligations as UWEAR’s sales agent. An ethical decision making, for me, is something which you know for yourself that you did your job well. No matter what results it may give to the company, either good or bad, what is important is that you did your job well.
- What might others with a different view than yours say in this situation?
Although other theories may be contrary to the beliefs of the Deontological knowledge, the basis for attaining success depends on the process as well as your duties and responsibilities that you cover. I think that accomplishing the assigned duties and obligations of an individual is the first step, more than anything else, for the sake of gaining the No.1 title.
- How would you refute those opposing perspectives?
All ethical theories in the business world are interlinked with each other; hence, the first step is considered the primary and the crucial step in a process. If everything went well, then, other theories may follow as well. Kenneth Oster believed that “ethical decision making recognizes an ethical issue, gets the facts, evaluates alternative actions, makes a decision and tests it and reflects on the outcome” (2014).
- Is there a compromise or creative solution to this problem? If so, what is it? Why is it feasible?
Business is all about competition. You compete with other business entrepreneurs to be the best. You compete with the best and the smartest investors to spell the success within your organization. The best solution would probably depend on how effective and efficient will Joe perform his duties and obligations in the company. The Deontological theory depends on an individual’s duty, regardless of his intentions and aspirations for the company. As long as his works are well done, it is considered an ethical work.
References:
Chonko, Larry. (2012). Ethical Theories. 1-5. 05, July 2014. < http://www.dsef.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/EthicalTheories.pdf>
Josephson, Michael. (2010). 12 Ethical Principles for Business Executives. Josephson Institute. <http://josephsoninstitute.org/business/blog/2010/12/12-ethical-principles-for-business-executives/>
Oster, K.V. (2014). List of Ethical Issues in Business. Chron. 05, July 2014. <http://smallbusiness.chron.com/list-ethical-issues-business-55223.html>
Pasternak, S. (n.d.). The role of ethical theories in ethical reasoning and behavior within organizations [Research Propsal]. 1-37. 05, July 2014. <http://www.ti-israel.org/_Uploads/dbsAttachedFiles/sigalitpasternak.pdf>
