The present assignment is based on the case study ‘John Smith at Horizon Trading Company’. After a short summary the objective is to analyse and to evaluate the case study from an ethical perspective. Furthermore, the teleontological and deontological approaches will be applied as well as Kohlberg’s model of moral dilemmas
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Summary
3. Kohlberg’ Moral Dilemmas
3.1.Preconventional Level
3.1.1. Stage 1
3.1.2. Stage 2
3.2.Conventional Level
3.2.1. Stage 3
3.2.2. Stage 4
3.3.Postconventional Level
3.3.1. Stage 5
3.3.2. Stage 6
4. The Teleological and the Deontological Approach
4.1.Teleological Approach
4.1.1. Egoism
4.1.2. Utilitarianism
4.2.Deontological Approach
4.2.1. Justice based principles
4.2.2. Rights based principles
Objectives and Research Scope
This assignment aims to analyze and evaluate the 'John Smith at Horizon Trading Company' case study from an ethical perspective. It seeks to apply established ethical frameworks to the dilemmas faced by the protagonist regarding corporate practices in Russia.
- Analysis of moral development stages based on Kohlberg’s model.
- Evaluation of business decisions using the teleological approach.
- Assessment of corporate actions through the lens of the deontological approach.
- Examination of the conflict between personal ethical values and organizational pressure.
- Discussion of justice-based and rights-based principles in an international business context.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1. Stage 1
Individuals of stage 1 are guided by obedience for their own sake. This means that they focus on avoiding breaking rules which lead to punishment or further consequences (tigger.uic.edu). With regard to the case study ‘John Smith at Horizon Trading Company’ we can say that John Smith is exposed to three situations in which his ethical values were stressed. At the party John was surprised how prevalent it is to provide bribes in daily work in Russia. Furthermore, he had an uneasy feeling when he heard that the company evades tax and that he should be trained in such techniques. The third time John was troubled as he worked at Horizon’s retail location and the Russian tax inspector talked to him. Within these main points we can observe that John becomes troubled and feels uncomfortable due to the fact that this behaviour does not fit with his ethical value of things you do and you do not do.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the objective of analyzing the 'John Smith at Horizon Trading Company' case from an ethical perspective using specific theoretical frameworks.
2. Summary: Provides a narrative overview of John Smith's employment at Horizon Trading Company and the ethical dilemmas he encounters regarding bribery and tax evasion in Russia.
3. Kohlberg’ Moral Dilemmas: Details the theory of cognitive moral development and applies its various stages to the protagonist's experiences and moral conflicts.
4. The Teleological and the Deontological Approach: Explores the consequences-based (teleological) and duty-based (deontological) frameworks to evaluate the ethics of the company's business practices.
Keywords
Business Ethics, Kohlberg, Moral Development, Teleological Approach, Deontological Approach, John Smith, Horizon Trading Company, Bribery, Tax Evasion, Egoism, Utilitarianism, Justice, Rights, Corporate Responsibility, Ethical Dilemma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this assignment?
The assignment explores the ethical dilemmas faced by an employee, John Smith, working for a company involved in questionable practices like bribery and tax evasion in Russia.
Which theoretical frameworks are applied?
The author applies Kohlberg’s model of moral development, as well as the teleological and deontological approaches to ethical reasoning.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze and evaluate the specific case study through the lens of academic business ethics theories.
What methodology is used for the analysis?
The methodology consists of a theoretical application where specific corporate incidents from the case study are mapped onto existing ethical models and principles.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body discusses the stages of moral development, teleological perspectives like egoism and utilitarianism, and deontological perspectives such as rights-based and justice-based principles.
Which terms best describe the work?
Key terms include Business Ethics, Moral Development, Corporate Responsibility, Teleological Approach, and Deontological Approach.
How does the case study illustrate Stage 2 of the preconventional level?
The case illustrates Stage 2 through the company's justification that unethical actions are necessary in an unethical environment, reflecting a 'you scratch my back and I will scratch yours' mentality.
How is the concept of justice applied to the case study?
The author distinguishes between distributive, retributive, and compensatory justice to assess the unfair competitive advantage held by the company and the potential responsibility of the stakeholders involved.
Does the paper conclude whether John Smith acted ethically?
The paper focuses on the analytical application of ethical frameworks rather than providing a simple verdict, although it highlights the conflict between John’s personal values and his role as an employee.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Sebastian Meyer (Author), 2004, Analysis of the Case Study ‘John Smith at Horizon Trading Company’, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/75507
