The case presents a case study, where the headquarters for Citicorp because small for its operations. On the other hand, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church needed to sell some of the part to recover the costs of making some repairs for the church. After securing the portion of the church, Citicorp set out to modify the portion of the church into a new building on the block. The company hires Hugh Stubbins and reintroduces another a structural engineer, William LeMessurier. The engineer embarks on a study to find out on the effects of placing on of the columns on the traditional corner location. By design, the engineer finds out that the two columns are structurally different, but this modification would be sensitive and extremely significant. The new building therefore, lies onto the northwest corner of the facility. The project leaves the church in place and the engineers raise the building 114 feet off the floor. LeMessurier investigates the safety and the ability of the supports to handle stress from the weigt of the building and the raging winds. During his investigations, LeMessurier finds that the pillars at the corners are joined by bolts rather than welding. In this research, he finds out that the risks involved in a bolted joint are extremely high and can only be remedied by a welding process. He approaches all the stakeholders in a low tone to engage them in the remedy process. He does it so well so as not to cause panic or anxiety among the owners, occupants, and authorities. The approach that LeMessurier can be explained by utilitarianism theory.
Utilitarianism theory is used to illustrate the greatest good for all. The theory is used to develop problem-solving approaches that enhance pleasure and happiness for all parties involved. Therefore, the parties involved are supposed to concentrate on actions that promote a high positive value and the possible minimal value for the parties involved. Using utilitarian theory to address the issue was important in achieving the desired goals. LeMessurier embarked on an extensive approach to find out the stability of the building. In this case, he did not involve any party and he did not cause any panic in the process. He tried to use as minimal resources by limiting the research to himself. After his findings, LeMessurier is very cautious about the people he informs because he tries to avoid putting his firm at risk, while approaching the best possible approaches of solving the problem.
The evacuation of people from the premise is very tedious and requires a viable and comprehensive plan to ensure that the parties involved are best advised on the best cause of action. Additionally, the process requires to be carried out slowly without causing panic or anxiety. The tenants and the occupants are not supposed to know the core reasons behind their evacuation except the top management. Experienced and technical staff requires to be called to action to handle the process at minimum risks. LeMessurier developed a decisive plan, and when he presented the case to the Citicorp owners, their plan was equally decisive, and they were all willing to achieve a common good. Extensive decision among the members provided a viable approach that would ensure that at least, no disaster occurred in the process.
Utilitarianism is the best theory that can be used in this case because it provides a consideration of maximum possible aspects that need to be addressed to prevent devastating effects on the parties involved. Utilitarianism considers all parties and optimizes minimization of errors and costly approaches in solving the problems involved. Although utilitarianism is difficult to implement, it is the best approach if the best approach is used. Additionally, the theory provides a plausible principle of action in the sense that it aims to provide happiness for all parties involved. The implementation of this theory is detailed through a step-by-step approach that ensures that actions are optimized and the best solution obtained for all parties involved. Utilitarianism theory is emphatic on the planning processes in order to avoid any likely drawbacks in the problem-solving approach. The theory ensures that possible wrong moves are replaced with moves that could promote a proper approach to solving problems.
Utilitarianism is a universal process, which can be used in a wide context to solve common, unique, and complex problems. Utilitarianism is objective in nature, which means it only requires the person implementing it to engage in calculated steps to ensure that very little damage is caused and the parties involved do not suffer pain or loss. Utilitarianism can also be used across nature; for instance, human rights protection is based on the happiness of animals and humans. The case is also significant in this particular scenario because it enhances the resolution of a huge problem at a minimal damage. In this case, LeMessurier illustrates that although huge costs were incurred, they prevented a damage that could forever affect all parties involved because they would never recover. Additionally, the approached saved lives because no one was emotionally or physically injured.
Using utilitarianism in Citigroup to solve its challenge of suffering financial blow due to the global financial crisis is a good approach. The theory of utilitarianism entails a moral philosophy that holds on that the morally right method of action in a situation is the one that yield positive results and benefits. This means that utilitarianism theory doses not put into the consideration on whether the positive results acquired are achieved through manipulation, coercion or by force. Taking into consideration of the Citicorp situation, the theory of utilitarianism can be suitable to rescue the situation. It insists that ethical decision makers should come up with decisions that produce contentment to the largest number of people. Giving the members of the public the truth about the risks that the building posed was the best solution. This is because it would benefit the most number of people since they would be aware of the risks involved and decide on the safety measures to take. Although this course of action n would lead to public panic, it would yield the positive result because LeMessurier was working on the situation to prevent the anticipated harm. Highlighting the truth would ensure that there is equal distribution according to the theory of utilitarian because everyone would receive equal treatment t with the same knowledge. It has an advantage over other theories because it ensures that the all people get to know and take the best precautions for their life safety.
In my opinion, the theory I chose to illustrate the case study is viable because it can be applied in a wide range of problems and issues in ethical dilemmas. Every problem-solving approach has its consequences; however, utilitarianism aims to reduce the negative impact on the immediate and surrounding factors. The most influential attribute in the resolution of issues involved in the quest for solutions is the desire to enhance happiness for all people. In my opinion, utilitarianism is a viable approach because it is plan-based, and adequate considerations are made to ensure that there are minimal problems by the time a solution is obtained. Key stakeholders must be represented and their opinions are considered prime. This reduces bias in the best cause of action. For instance, LeMessurier first approached the owners of the building and used an approach that could not star panic. The parties considered must be oriented towards achieving a common good for all affected people. The theory is explorative to ensure that all possible aspects are considered in addressing the ethical dilemma.
Although utilitarianism has been widely used and is still considered the best approach to solving ethical dilemmas, it has certain shortcomings, which are on many instances minimized based on the prevailing factors. Utilitarianism experiences many problems during process. The approach involves numerous consultation with the stakeholders, which makes it time consuming. On some instances, utilitarianism may not work effectively especially when the stakeholders disagree. The theory also neglects the distribution of good or bad. For instance, the case study on Citicorp was remedied by huge costs, which were catered for by the owners of the premise. The practicality of utilitarianism normally difficult especially on urgent cases; hence, a viable consideration of various aspects is always necessary. In the worst case scenario, a single individual can evaluate on the best judgment deemed appropriate for all parties. Nonetheless, objectives and intents of the theory are positive and ensure that positive values are maintained.
