Could someone please help me with a reply to my classmate whom is asking the que

Question

Could someone please help me with a reply to my classmate whom is asking the questions, I need a reply to those questions

Here is the TOPIC question: "Often times, making the ethical decision, is not always the "easiest" one. When faced with making an ethical decision in the workplace, what type of approach do you feel works best? Make sure you support your answer."

Here is Claasmate 1 response:I feel that making any ethical decisions has some sort of level of difficulty. The type of approach that often works best is the Utilitarian approach. The reason for this is that in the workplace we want to attempt to do the most good and provide the most benefit to all as we can not please every single customer or co worker. By taking this approach we attempt to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people in hopes that this will make for a more positive work climate and image of the firm. Utilitarianism in the workplace focuses on ethics, democracy, rights and responsibilities within the business environment. Utilitarianism sets stringent ethical standards in the workplace that influence the behavior of all its members. It forms the basis of an ethical program that defines workplace conduct, and ethical conduct training. Utilitarianism in the workplace is associated with numerous advantages, including enhanced teamwork and productivity, positive public image and an improved society (Gilani, 2017

Here is classmate 2 reply:(Is it safe to say that in the business world we always want to "do the most good"? Sometimes, in the business world, don't we just want to make a profit? Can this be somehow reconciled with "doing good"?) I need an answwe to this question.

Here is classmate 3 reply"The problem I have with Utilitarianism is that the ethics of right and wrong could easily be dismissed by the majority. For example, Utilitarianism is all about the consequences, focusing on self-gratification and pleasing the most people (Caae.phil.cmu.edu, 2002). What if your coworkers wanted to "cook the books" to make the profits of the company look better? This would increase the value of their stock in the company, benefiting everyone and making them money, but it would not be legal.   Kant, on the other hand, sees things very black and white. It does not matter if everyone is happy, but the rules are followed."

Here is classmate 4 reply:Ruth you make some excellent points. Does this get even more complicated when we look at/consider how "right and wrong" may be different to different people?(I need a reply to this question as well)

Explanation / Answer

The utilitarian approach is an ethical approach that focuses upon the benefits of the majority in the organization. It may be democratic, but it may not be morally right all the time. Hence, it is good to follow the deontological approach of the ethics that focuses upon the intention of the action or decision. If the intention of the action is morally right in the society, then the action or decision should be taken as it is ethical in nature. Here, the deontological approach is developed by Goodpaster (Goodpaster, 1984) on the basis of certain rules that are aligned with the Kantian’s guidelines for the business practices. Such rules are helping people in need, not harming anyone, valuing contracts, obeying of laws and adopt fair practices among the others. These rules make the decision making to be a beneficial one for all the stakeholders. It may be a stern decision in the short term and can negatively affect the wrongdoers, but it will be good and beneficial to the innocent employees and society at large.

Reference:

Goodpaster, K.E. (1984). Ethics in Management, Boston: Harvard Business Books

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