Reference no: EM133204096 , Length: 1 page.
Assignment: Ethics Mini-Case
Case: Roman works for Fischer USA. Fischer USA'sR&D (Research & Development) department has slightly changed one of the company's products. It is not clear whether their consumers would experience the claimed improvement. However, considering the change made by the company, putting "new and improved" statement on the package is not illegal.Roman believes including this message in package and advertisement will increase sales. What should be Roman's final decision regarding the statement "new and improved" on the package and advertising?
Ethical theories within 3 frameworks of Consequentialist, Intentionalist, and Agent-centered:
1. Consequentialist framework theories:
a. Utilitarian decisions - Considered good or bad depending upon the balance of overall happiness they produce.
b. Egoistic - Acting in self-interest leads to the benefit of society, although the benefit to society is the fortunate byproduct, not the intent.
2. Intentionalist framework theories:
a. Categorical imperative - A correct decision is one that could become a universal law.
b. Rights - An ethical decision will protect the rights of those who are affected by it.
3. Agent-centered framework theories:
a. Virtue - Concerned with the whole of a person's life, not discrete decisions. A person of good character.
b. Agency theory - Relation and intention of the principals and of the agents that decisions or responsibilities are delegated to.
Task
I. Is there an ethical dilemma in this situation? If yes, identify the ethical dilemma. If no, why not?
II. Who is the agent in this case? Describe the role and responsibility of the agent using one of the agent-centered theories above.
III. What is the intent of the decision maker? Describe the intent of the decision maker using one of the intentional list theories above.
IV. What is the consequence of the decision? Describe the consequence of the decision using one of the consequential list theories above.