ETHICAL THEORIES

Ethical Theories

Ethical Theories

Introduction

This paper intends to discuss the significance of ethical theories to the case study vignette. The main stake holders within the case will be identified and how they are being affected by the situation of the case will be analyzed in this paper. The theories that will be utilized in order to assess the case are utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism and the ethics of duty. The various advantages and disadvantages of Tom using the design and not using the design will be explored and described. Moreover, other relevant theories will be explored within the context of this case. The identification of stake holders and their underlying issues remain the basic focus of this paper. Further, the main features of most relevant theories to the case and their application also remains important. The case selected for discussion is the case of Tom who works for a small firm which specializes in textile print designs. The purpose of this paper is to make the readers aware about the significance of ethical theories at their implications at work place.

Discussion

Identification of Stake holders

The main stake holders identified within this case are essentially the company of textile print designs for which Tom works, Tom himself, his managing director, Large Supermarket chain and Nina. All the stake holders are considerably important in order to consider the consequences of the decision taken by Tom.

Identification of Issues

The most important issue identified within the case is that Tom was not successful in implementing the ethics within his work place. In other words, Tom acted out unethically in order to gain short term benefit for himself and for his company while completely ignoring the long term consequences of his unethical action. The entire stake holders identified above are clearly impacted by the decision taken by Tom. The basic issue in my opinion is that Tom acted unethically. First of all, Tom being related to textile print designing must be aware of the copy right laws and must avoid all such activities which can create problems both for him and his company.

Moving on, the reputation of the company in which Tom works is also at stake. Similarly, the reputation of the large supermarket is also at risk by the decision taken by Tom. If the girl Nina decides to sue Tom and his company, then the entire business would be at risk and even the reputation of supermarket chain would be hurt mainly because of the fact that these chains are known for their quality. Moreover, customers can also sue the supermarket chain for deceiving them by claiming for original designs. Another important issue that I witness within the case is that Tom is over worked. The ethics of duty also requires that managers to make the workers calm enough to focus on their work sincerely and not to look for short cuts like Tom did.

By doing this unethical act, Tom had broken the trust of his manager and his company making the entire business at ...