The Missing Money: An Ethical Dilemma
Read "The Missing Money" from your Darden Course pack.
Analyze the case and answer the questions below (the paper should be in an essay format - do not respond using #1 and then your answer). Your case study must must be submitted in Microsoft Word and include a title page and at least three complete pages (excluding quotes) of text with 1 inch margins (top, bottom, left and right) with maximum of 12 pt font and a bibliography page. You must use at least one source other than the case itself. The last page of your case study will be the bibliography. Your case study should be a minimum of 5 pages (title page, SafeAssign is enabled (plagiarism checker). Your similarity rating should be less than 30%. You can resubmit if your percentage is above 30% before the due date. If the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is detected, you may receive a zero for
In essay format, answer the following questions using the decision-making model from Chapter 3
1. What are the facts?
2. What is the ethical issue or dilemma?
3. Who are the stakeholders? What is at stake for each of the key parties?
4. Consider the available alternatives. In doing so, consider:
a. What are the main arguments George is trying to counter? What reasons and rationalizations need to be addressed? Need at least 3)
b. What levers/responses/arguments can George use to enable to act on his values? (Need at least 3) Use moral imagination. Explore options other than the obvious choices.
5. Compare and weigh the alternatives. Think about how each stakeholder is affected by the alternatives. This is where you will evaluate the options using ethical theories and traditions.
6.Make a decision. What is the best option and Why?
Title: The Missing Money: An Ethical Dilemma
Introduction
In the case study “The Missing Money,” George, a controller at a small manufacturing company, is faced with an ethical dilemma. The case revolves around the disappearance of a significant amount of money from the company’s accounts and the subsequent investigation to identify the responsible party. This essay will analyze the case using a decision-making model, considering the facts, ethical issues, stakeholders, available alternatives, and ultimately proposing the best course of action for George.
1. What are the facts?
A substantial amount of money has gone missing from the company’s accounts.
The company’s CEO, Mr. Thompson, suspects George as the potential culprit.
There is no concrete evidence pointing directly to George’s involvement.
George has been pressured by his superiors to cooperate with the investigation.
George is concerned about his reputation and potential loss of employment.
2. What is the ethical issue or dilemma?
The ethical issue in this case is the potential violation of George’s rights and professional integrity. He is being subjected to suspicion and pressure without concrete evidence against him. The dilemma lies in whether George should comply with the investigation, possibly incriminating himself, or assert his rights by refusing to cooperate.
3. Who are the stakeholders? What is at stake for each of the key parties?
George: His reputation, job security, and personal ethics are at stake. Compliance with the investigation may lead to self-incrimination, while refusal to cooperate may strain his relationship with his superiors.
Mr. Thompson: As the CEO, he seeks to protect the company’s interests and maintain its financial stability. His reputation as a leader is also at stake.
Other employees: Their trust in George and the company’s financial stability is at stake. They may feel uncertain about their job security and question the company’s commitment to ethics.
Shareholders: The missing money affects the company’s financial health, potentially impacting shareholder value and confidence.
Customers and suppliers: If the missing money negatively impacts the company’s operations, it could affect relationships with customers and suppliers.
4. Consider the available alternatives.
a. Main arguments George is trying to counter:
Lack of concrete evidence against him.
Presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Potential violation of his rights and privacy.
b. Levers/responses/arguments George can use:
Request legal representation during the investigation to ensure fairness.
Emphasize his past record of integrity and loyalty to the company.
Suggest alternative explanations for the missing money, such as accounting errors or external factors beyond his control.
5. Compare and weigh the alternatives.
To evaluate the alternatives, ethical theories and traditions can be applied:
Utilitarianism: The decision should maximize overall happiness and minimize harm. Respecting George’s rights and privacy would contribute to overall well-being in the workplace.
Rights-based ethics: George has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and to legal representation during investigations.
Virtue ethics: George should act with integrity, honesty, and loyalty in order to maintain his professional reputation.
Considering these ethical theories, it is evident that protecting George’s rights and ensuring fairness in the investigation is crucial.
6. Make a decision. What is the best option and why?
The best option for George is to assert his rights and request legal representation during the investigation. By doing so, he safeguards his own interests while upholding ethical principles such as fairness, integrity, and respect for individual rights. It is essential for the company to conduct a thorough investigation without presuming guilt solely based on suspicion.
By asserting his rights and emphasizing his past record of integrity, George can contribute to a fair investigation process that respects ethical norms. This approach allows him to protect his reputation while maintaining trust within the organization.
In conclusion, “The Missing Money” presents an ethical dilemma for George. By analyzing the facts, considering stakeholders’ interests, examining available alternatives, and evaluating them through ethical theories, it becomes clear that asserting his rights and requesting legal representation is the best course of action for George. Upholding fairness and integrity in investigations not only protects George’s reputation but also promotes trust within the organization.