The original assignment in this module dealt primarily with employers trying to find wrongdoing by employees . We now turn to the question of employee rights and employer obligations. Using at least two (2) of the foundational ethical theories studied in Module 2, you should answer the following questions. With each answer, you should discuss the issues and set forth and defend a clear position. REMEMBER, YOU MUST USE TWO THEORIES TO ANSWER EACH QUESTION.
--Federal law requires that employers pay a minimum wage and pay overtime, although some believe that the concept of a living wage is the more ethical standard. Explain and defend your position on whether you agree or disagree.
--Is it ethically permissible to make membership in a particular union a prerequisite for employment?
--Is it ethical for an employer to require as a condition of employment or use as a consideration for advancement promotion, that an employee participate in organizations apart from the business (ie. community non-profit organizations)? Does the type or nature of the organization make a difference?
--Finally, some opine that employee pay should be tied in part to the compensation of the owner/chief operating or executive officer of the business, with the lowest paid employee being paid no less than a certain percentage of the highest paid employee. Is this an ethical way of determining compensation?
REMEMBER, YOU MUST USE AT LEAST TWO OF THE THEORIES AND FACTS FROM THE READINGS TO SUPPORT YOUR POSITION.
Make sure that you have adequately dealt with all the subtleties of the particular theory. The answers to these questions can be found in the text but merely quoting from the text or paraphrasing the text will earn minimal credit--the answers should be in your own words and should involve some explanation and discussion of what these concepts mean.
While the schedule allows you to work on this at the same time as the group discussion, I suggest you hold off finalizing and submitting your written assignment until you see some of the group discussion--often the discussion raises issues or thoughts you can use in your paper. Also, you will receive my comments on your original answer before the written assignment is due and that should also provide you with some thoughts on structure or format.