Discuss Theories of Ethics - Leadership and Ethical Decision Making
Section I:
View this problem scenario A to learn more about Bill and Joe's relationship. This scenario provides key information in helping formulate answers for assignments in Phases 1 and 2.
You are having a lunch meeting with Bill Bateman, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Peninsula Hotel chain, and Joe Smith, the sales rep for UWEAR. During the meeting, Bill raises the topic of the upcoming contract renewal.
“I’m glad you brought that up, Bill,” Joe says. “We’re really looking forward to working with you again this year. I was happy that we were able to reach an agreement last year, and it’s been a pleasure working with you and your team."
Joe, like most of the UWEAR and PALEDENIM employees, is feeling the pressure to perform, fearing cutbacks and layoffs because of the merger. Sales have been down, and profit margins are very slim. Last year, Joe was reprimanded when he signed the contract with Peninsula Hotels because the price that he offered was so low. However, he had no choice because his competitor, Threads4U, was also a very shrewd bidder, and Joe would have lost the contract otherwise.
“Well, it has been good working with you too, Joe. I’ve really enjoyed our friendship, and the contract was very beneficial for our company,” Bill continues, “The reason I wanted to talk about the contract today is because I just got a call this week from Samantha over at Threads4U. She’s offering to beat your price by 10% to win back our business. What are you going to do to counter that offer?”
Answer the following:
Q1: What should Joe do in this situation?
Q2: What ethical theory supports how you think Joe should react to this situation?
Q3: Why would you use this theory?
Q4: What might others with a different view than yours say in this situation?
Q5: How would you refute those opposing perspectives?
Q6: Is there a compromise or creative solution to this problem? If so, what is it? Why is it feasible?
Section II
View problem scenario A to learn more about Bill and Joe's relationship. This scenario provides key information in helping formulate answers for assignments in Phases 1 and 2.
The meeting between Bill and Joe did not go very well, and the Peninsula Hotel chain contract is in jeopardy. Despite their personal relationship, Bill is threatening to sign a contract with Joe’s competitor, Threads4U, because it is undercutting UWEAR’s price.
Joe is desperate to save the contract because the Peninsula Hotel chain contract accounts for over 50% of his territory's sales—without them, his future with UWEAR is uncertain. He realizes that he needs to gain approval from his management team before he moves forward with any further contract negotiations with the Peninsula Hotel chain. Complete the following...
1. Who are the stakeholders in this situation?
2. What are the responsibilities of each stakeholder to the company?
3. Provide at least 4 ethical responsibilities for each stakeholder.
4. For each stakeholder, what would be the appropriate response to the situation?
5. What should Joe propose to the management team?
6. How should he support his proposal?
Problem Scenario A: Ethical Dilemma
As you walk across the lobby of UWEAR, you see Tom talking to a tall, distinguished-looking man. “This is Joe Smith,” Tom introduces when you step up to them. “You'll be spending some time with him today in the field.”
“Nice to meet you, Joe,” you respond, shaking Joe's hand.
Tom says goodbye and makes his way to elevator while you and Joe head toward the parking garage. “We're going to meet with a couple of clients today,” Joe explains. “First, we'll have lunch with Bill Bateman, the CEO of the Peninsula Hotel chain. He's a great guy and I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting him.”
“Where are we meeting him for lunch?” I ask, getting into Joe's car.
“Bill's hotel, the Peninsula, has a great restaurant that I frequently use to meet clients,” Joe answers. “The food is outstanding. We're going to meet him there to discuss the renewal of his uniform contract.”
As you continue the drive to the hotel, Joe elaborates on his business history with Bill. “I was able to win the contract for the Peninsula chain last year,” he explains. “We were just able to underbid our competitor, Threads4U. In fact, Bill said that I underbid them by about $5 per uniform. Great victory on my part.”
“It sounds like you've established a great working relationship with Bill,” you say.
“Oh, yeah,” Joe agrees. “He's a great guy. The first time we met, I was on my way to buy a nice bottle of cabernet as a birthday gift for my wife. She loves the expensive wines. I happened to mention this to Bill, he said he orders it all the time and offered to give me some for free. I told him it wasn't Problem A: Ethical Dilemma 2 necessary, but he insisted. When I got my car back from the valet, I found not just a bottle, but an entire case of high-end cabernet in my trunk.” Joe shakes his head, smiling. “But that's just the kind of guy Bill is.”
“It sounds like it worked out for you and your wife,” you comment. “Did she enjoy her birthday gift?”
“Yes,” Joe says. “We both enjoyed it for quite some time. Well, here we are,” he adds, pulling up the Peninsula Hotel.
As you park and exit the car, Joe explains, “Since Bill and I have been doing business, he’s referred three other hotel owners to me to supply their uniforms. Except for when I’m meeting with one of his competitors, I usually conduct business meetings with clients here at the restaurant in Bill’s hotel.”
“It’s a beautiful hotel,” you comment as Joe leads you through the lobby, admiring the elegant décor. “No wonder you enjoy coming here. I wouldn’t mind bringing my family here for a weekend sometime.”
“Actually,” Joe says, “My wife and I have become really good friends with Bill and his wife. He often invites us out onto his yacht with his family, we go to social events with them, and we’ve stayed at the hotel several times. We really enjoy it. You should bring your family sometime, too. Kids love the pool with the waterfall.
You nod, following Joe into the hotel’s restaurant. After all you’ve heard about Bill, you are very interested in meeting him.