UTILITARIANISM

Utilitarianism is a version of consequentialism, which states that the consequences of any action
are the only standard of right and wrong. Unlike other forms of consequentialism, such as egoism
and altruism, utilitarianism considers the interests of all beings equally.
The core idea of utilitarianism is that an action is right if it results in the happiness of the greatest
number of people in a society or a group. In the workplace, the idea of this concept is if you conduct
yourself properly at work, then you will be able to achieve professional happiness. By making
morally correct decisions, your happiness will increase. However, if you choose to do something
morally wrong, even though it may be legal, your happiness will decrease.
Utilitarianism creates a black and white of what is morally correct. In the world of someone who
uses utilitarian ethics, there are no shades of gray, either something is wrong or something is right.
At work, utilitarianism is displayed by working to make sure the workplace is a positive
environment for your co-workers to be in, and then make it so for yourself.
One example of utilitarianism in business is the practice of having tiered pricing for a product or
service to different types of customers. For example, the airline industry offers first class, business
class and economy class seats on many of their airplanes.
Customers who fly in first or business class pay a much higher rate than those in economy seats,
but they also get more amenities. However, the higher prices paid for business or first class seats
help to ease the airline’s financial burden created by making room for economy class seats. This
would be an example of rule utilitarianism.

An example of act utilitarianism is a pharmaceutical company releasing a drug that has been
governmentally approved with known side effects because the drug is able to help more people
than are bothered by the minor side effects. Act utilitarianism often shows “the end justifies the
means” mentality.

The main limitation to utilitarian is that it is difficult to achieve in the workplace. People are taught
to focus on self before others, making it difficult to practice utilitarianism. However, with hard
work and perseverance, you can create the type of work atmosphere that you desire for yourself
and those around you.