Reference no: EM132264729

Business Ethics is “the study of standards of business behavior which promote human welfare and the good” according to Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.

According to Car and Driver, “Volkswagen installed emissions software on more than a half-million diesel cars in the U.S.—and roughly 10.5 million more worldwide—that allows them to sense the unique parameters of an emissions drive cycle set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In the test mode, the cars are fully compliant with all federal emissions levels. But when driving normally, the computer switches to a separate mode—significantly changing the fuel pressure, injection timing, exhaust-gas recirculation, and, in models with AdBlue, the amount of urea fluid sprayed into the exhaust. While this mode likely delivers higher mileage and power, it also permits heavier nitrogen-oxide emissions (NOx)—a smog-forming pollutant linked to lung cancer—up to 40 times higher than the federal limit. That doesn’t mean every TDI is pumping 40 times as much NOx as it should. Some cars may emit just a few times over the limit, depending on driving style and load.”

Would you consider the installation of these Emission Software ethical? Please explain your conclusion keeping in mind the above definition of business ethics and your own thoughts about business ethics—make sure your cover both points of views?