Reference no: EM132916335

Might Makes Right Topic:?Taking Credit for Work Mahira Khan is a highly educated top executive in charge of research and development. Fawad Khan is her underpaid assistant, struggling to support his family. His performance evaluations have always been more than adequate.

As one of his research projects, Fawad designs a creative software package that addresses major concerns within the company. He shares this program with Mahira, hoping it will bring him a much needed promotion and raise. Mahira's boss has asked her to design an innovative and efficient program. But pressures of her position keep her from setting aside sufficient time to do the requested work.

Mahira, eager to successfully complete the job her boss assigned, is thinking of presenting Fawad's program to her boss and passing it off as her own. If Fawad objects, she can threaten to lower his performance evaluations or possibly even fire him. If he agrees to go along with the scheme, she can give him a raise and a promotion.

Supplementary Questions

1. What Are the Ethical Issues?

a) If the software is developed on company time, to whom does the program belong?

b) Is Fawad being treated justly? Are his rights being protected?

c) Is Mahira stealing?

d) When, if ever, is it ethical for a manager to take credit for the work of a subordinate?

2. What Are the Possible Alternatives?

3. What Are the Ethics of the Alternatives?

a) on a "utilitarian" perspective, which alternative would provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of stakeholders?

b) On a "rights and duties" viewpoint, What rights does each stakeholder have?, Who has the right of ownership for a program developed on company time?

c) On a "justice or fairness" perspective, which alternative distributes the benefits and burdens most fairly?