MGT 360 Homework assignment – Ethical Leadership Dilemma

Case: Prejudice or Preference?

The ethical dilemma in the case is that the otherwise most suitable and readily available person (Elaine) who could replace Sam has an affair with the Magnolia Corporation CEO, J.W. Crawford. Hence, it would be unethical for the company to rely on a person with immoral conduct, but the company is interested in Elaine’s excellent competencies and experiences. Consequently, the immediate stakeholders are Elaine, Sam, J.W. Crawford, and our company. On the other hand, the indirect stakeholders comprise the Magnolia Corporation, our competitors and customers. Subsequently, it would be advisable for our company to allow Elaine to take over the account from Sam to increase chances of remaining competent and continue attaining the relatively huge benefits of transacting with the Magnolia Corporation according to the provision of consequentialism (Kagan, 2018). The company could opt to consider the eventual benefits of relying on a competent and experienced employee while ignoring other aspects including the worker’s code of conduct. Besides, the company could employ Elaine basing on the concept of deontology that requires an organization to select and recruit the most qualified and readily available individual to occupy a vacant position. As per the deontological principle, our organization is obliged to hire or choose a person who would occupy Sam’s position while observing all the applicable rules to ensure that the company’s processes and operations proceed smoothly. Nevertheless, it would be inadvisable for our firm to allow Elaine to hold the position following her immoral behavior. Reliance on Elaine would result in unsatisfying results by default due to her undesired conduct. Therefore, our company would seek a more suitable person to replace Sam since Elaine’s unethical and unprofessional conduct could adversely affect our reputation and public image. It is unfortunate that Elaine exhibits immoral conduct while on official duty.

Reference

Kagan, S. (2018). Normative ethics. Routledge.