Ethics and Decisions

Standards: BMA - LEB - 1, BMA - LEB - 2

Directions: Read each scenario. Respond in writing using your understanding of the
legal concepts and use them in your responses. Give serious consideration when writing
your answer. Be prepared to present your argument or answer to the class.

1) Bob is planning to graduate high school in two weeks. His entire family is gathering to
celebrate the occasion, including his grandparents who are flying from Florida. Bob
currently has a low C in economics class, which is required to pass and to participate in
graduation ceremonies. Bob is very nervous about passing the final examination. Bobs
friend, Chris, tells him he has a copy of the final exam.

What should Bob do?

Identify factors in Bobs decision.
What are possible actions for Bob?
What is the decision-making bases used here (consequence or rule based)?

2) Sallys family does not have much money. Each month is a struggle to pay rent, utility
bills, and food. Sallys mom works two jobs 16 hours each day to support the family. Sally
wants to buy a present for her moms upcoming birthday, but Sally has no money. On the
way home from school, Sally finds a wallet with $307 in it.

What should Sally do?

Identify factors in Sallys decision.
What are possible actions for Sally?
What is the decision-making bases used here (consequence or rule based)?
3) Jack Smith is the popular and wealthy chief executive officer (CEO) of a toy
manufacturing company (Toying Around). The company needs to reduce costs because of
declining sales. The company has three choices:
A) eliminate 50 employees
B) reduce Jack Smiths salary from $950,000 to $450,000
C) move the company factory from Denver, CO, to Mexico where the company can
pay workers less.

What are the factors in the decision that Toying Around needs to make?
What is the decision-making bases used here?

Assume that you are the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Toying Around and the Board of
Directors has charged you with making the decision. Write two paragraphs explaining
your thinking and your decision for this ethical (and financial) dilemma.

Paragraph 1: Present the scenario

Sentence 1 = Introduce the ethical dilemma that you face.
Sentence 2 = Explain the specifics of the situation.
Sentence 3 & 4 = What factors would you consider in making your decision?
Sentence 5 & 6 = What are possible actions that you could take?

Paragraph 2: Present your decision

Sentence 1 = State the ethical action you would take in this situation.
Sentence 2 = What would be the possible costs to you when making the
decision.
Sentence 3 = What would be the pros (benefits) of your decision?
Sentence 4 = What would be the cons of your decision?
Sentence 5 = Identify which lens you used most in your decision.
A. Rules and Responsibilities
B. Results: Cost/Benefit analysis
C. Relationships
D. Reputation and Role
Sentence 6 = Explain why this lens (consideration) is most important to you.