BA3300 Business Cornerstone
Ethical Decision Making Homework
“The Whistle Blower” – 20 points
The Scenario
You are employed by a large corporation that manufactures baby formula. You suspect that a flaw in the manufacturing process has resulted in contamination of the formula in a small number of cases. This contamination can result in serious illness, even death.
You have been told by your supervisor that “everything is under control” and warned that if you “blow the whistle” by going public, you will be putting the entire company in jeopardy for multimillion-dollar lawsuits. You will naturally be fired and blackballed in the industry.
As the sole provider in your household, your family depends upon you.
The Assignment:
1. Identify the ethical issue or problem.
2. List the facts that have the most bearing on the decision.
3. Identify anyone who might be affected by your decision and how.
4. Explain what each affected person would want you to do about the issue.
5. List three alternative actions and identify:
a. the best and worst case scenario for each alternative
b. anyone who would be harmed by this choice (and how)
c. any values that would be compromised by selecting this alternative, and
d. any automatic reasons why this alternative should not be selected (legal issues, rules, etc.).
6. Determine a course of action.
Recommended Case Analysis Approach & Format
Not all case analyses can be approached exactly the same way, but generally one uses the following approach to analyze cases.
1. Read the case completely through, along with the major question.
2. Reread the case and any accompanying illustrations or data carefully and do the following
a. Clearly define the immediate problem to be solved, if it is not already done for you.
b. Develop several alternative solutions to the problem that could be applied to the situation.
c. Evaluate each alternative by listing its advantages and disadvantages. (This may include consistency with company mission or strategy, long-term implications, resources available, or impediments.)
d. Identify the recommended solution along with any further justification.
e. Develop a recommended course of action.
Use the following Case Analysis Format to assist you in writing your response
You will only submit the document you prepare in the following format. Copy the following onto a blank piece of paper and then fill in the information. Proof read and spell check before submitting. This assignment is worth 24 points.
Your Name
BA3300 Business Cornerstone
The Whistle Blower Case
Date Due
Ethical Issue or Problem: put a brief description of the situation to create context for this analysis
The Facts: you can just create a bulleted list of the facts presented in the case
Alternative Solution 1: XX
Advantages: XX
Disadvantages: XX
Who impacted: XX
Values compromised: XX (if pursue this solution)
Reasons to automatically exclude: XX
Alternative Solution 2: XX
Advantages: XX
Disadvantages: XX
Who impacted: XX
Values compromised: XX (if pursue this solution)
Reasons to automatically exclude: XX
Alternative 3: XX
Advantages: XX
Disadvantages: XX
Who impacted: XX
Values compromised: XX (if pursue this solution)
Reasons to automatically exclude: XX
Recommended Course of Action and Justifications:
