Discussion
Business
The main issue in the Director’s Daughter case is the choice that Zoe Apse, the purchasing manager of Mesa Meals, Inc. (MMI), has to make between Tabitha’s’ Tablecloths and Loretta’s Linens, on who will be their supplier for restaurant tablecloths and linens. Her choice is complex because the former supplier is owned by Tabitha Foster, a daughter of Clark Foster, a member of the company’s board.
What are the Reasons?
Some of the evident reasons are that, Loretta’s linens have been their steady supplier and its contract can be renewed. However, the main concern is that Tabitha’s Tablecloths is not just any other firm. It is owned by the daughter to the company’s director Clark. He had been really instrumental in the recruitment of Andrew Manning, the CEO of MMI and had even been a strong backer to Andrew especially when he tried to convince other board members to adopt his policies, procedures, and changes. As a result, Andrew feels he owes Clark Foster a favor and therefore takes the proposal personally to the purchasing manager. Zoe, therefore, has a tough decision to make. She is doubtful that Tabitha’s is still too young to have a track record and is incapable of handling MMI’s large account.
Are there any value assumptions and conflicts or descriptive assumptions? If so, what are they?
Zoe makes a descriptive assumption on the fact that Loretta’s Linens has been a steady supplier able to manage the company’s large account and is, therefore, more likely to maintain a track record. She assumes that Tabitha's Tablecloths is still too young a company to fit in the shoes that might be left by the preceding supplier.
What significant information has been omitted?
The significant information omitted concerns the other company that is similarly up in the run to become the next supplier. Its portfolio information should also be clearly outlined since it will help in the overall decision making. Its presence in the equation is significant to allow for comparison and analysis.
Conclusion
Zoe’s decision making and moral stand has been put to test and she has to make a solid decision that will have significant ramifications on her morality as well as the company’s together with other critical concerns as how either of the suppliers will take the decisions.
Analysis using Badaracco’s framework
Moral problems like these in businesses are often complex and difficult to resolve due to the involvement of different groups and individuals. To analyze the problem, Zoe can apply Joseph, L. Badaracco's four frameworks and three tests.
The first framework Zoe should consider that of net-net consequences; she should write a list of everybody who is going to lose or win of all the costs, benefits and risks. This will help her analyze the different scenarios when either Loretta’s Linens or Tabitha’s Tablecloths is recruited as the company’s suppliers and asses which will be the best case that will bring the best net -net scenario.
The second question and framework she should analyze is that on rights. Zoe should ask herself the question, which individuals have rights that have to be respected that should not be violated? Does Loretta’s Linens have any right to continue with their supplies? Does Tabitha have any say or right as a daughter to one of the Board members? What about Andrew Manning and Clark Foster together with herself? She should think critically about all of these persons involved.
Thirdly, Zoe should explore the issue of morality. On this framework, she will assess and analyze the implications and message her choice will have on her intuitive norms, beliefs, principles and moral values as well as that of MMI. What will close observers and the entire parties concerned think of her choice? This is because it will have a direct implication to her morality stand. What will be the legal requirements, economic outcomes as well as ethical duties to get a moral solution?
Lastly, Zoe will have to consider the case on a platform of pragmatism. What choice will work best in the world as it is? This she should do put into consideration the observation by Nicolo Machiavelli that fortune favors the bold and that the most admired people are those who were willing to take prudent chances. If creativity, imagination and initiative are included in the equation, what will be the best choice?
Therefore, if Zoe is to make a solid choice, also putting into consideration Badaracco's three tests, she will have to choose Tabitha's Tablecloths. This is because first, her choice and that of MMI will look good to the public, it will be fair and honest and lastly, will fulfill the best friends test as it will solidify the friendship between Andrew Manning the C.E.O and Clark Foster. When the four highlighted frameworks are also assessed, then it is evident that Tabitha's Tablecloths will indeed be the best net-net choice since apart from being a new supplier that is supported by a larger number of the board members; it will also ensure that the company is set on an environmental conservation trajectory. Her choice will prove that the company has values of respect for hard work, innovation and intelligence. Choosing a new and young company will indicate the company’s ability to take a risk and give equal chance and opportunities to all deserving parties.
