ETHICAL DILEMMA CASE: SHOULD WE GO BEYOND THE LAW?

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PORFERIO A. SALIDAGA, JR. Dr. George Fong Management Dynamics April 20, 2012

Problem Whether or not it is ethical to pursue the project, which is the introduction of new product, even it involves dumping waste materials into the river. Objective To decide whether or not to pursue with the project considering the ethical issue of dumping waste materials into the river. Analysis of Relative Facts Managers, once in a while to implement projects or programs of organization may face ethical dilemma. This happens when such implementation, in the process, hurts other individuals or adversely affects the community where it is located. In this case, Nathan Rosillo, as a manager, is forced to choose whether to protect the river, or to follow the order of the organization and be a passive bystander. Should Rosillo succumb to the pressure applied by his bosses and just turn his head away from the direction of what is morally right? Alternative 1. Yes, if I were the CEO of the company, I would push for the implementation of the project considering that, as contended by Martin Feldman, the organization has been able to meet the government standards, and that it is up to the government to protect the water. What is only up to the organization is to make profit and stay in business.

2. No, if I were the CEO of the company, I would not push through with the implementation of the project, otherwise the organization would be moving away from its ethical and social responsibility. Ethics is a code of moral principles, hence is different from legal principles. What is legal may not be moral; and what is moral may not be legal. Thus, when an organizational act passes governmental regulatory standards it does not necessarily mean that it is ethical. Obviously, since the unethical and irresponsible implementation of the project would adversely affect the community, it would also adversely affect the organization in an indirect way considering that the community is one of its stakeholders. Solution Alternative 2 is recommended.