Assignment Task: Volkswagen's Diesel Scandal Case Assignment
Answer each of the following discussion questions giving some thought to both the information provided in the case and the text models and concepts introduced in Chapters 4 and 5.
Assigned Discussion Questions
Q1. How can a code of conduct help safeguard against illegal and unethical actions? Why did the code of conduct in place at Volkswagen not prevent the emissions scandal?
Q2. What role did the German Association of Engineers code of ethics play in the case? How typically should a professional code come into play when faced with an ethical dilemma in a company?
Q3. If you were revising VW's code of conduct, what recommendations would you make? What processes would you follow to redraft the code?
Q4. Which ethics screens would you suggest Volkswagen use in the future to hire engineers to be sure they uphold high ethical standards?
Q5. Refer to the Ethical Systems Model Survey provided for Ch. 5 and the associated "Best Practices" highlights throughout the chapter. Besides a strong Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (#1 and #2 on the survey) which of the additional 5 items would make a difference if implemented at Volkswagen? Describe the impact each of your recommended action could have.