If Kyle’s plan would violate BEC’s code of ethics; the questionable way in which Bob responded to Mei-li’s questions; Kyle’s possible termination that may justify Mei-li following Kyle’s plan, and how should Mei-li handle the situation?
Mei-li has been placed in a difficult position by her coworker and boss. Mei-li is a consultant with Business Equipment Corporation (BEC) and is working with Kyle, an engineer, to develop and produce a new copy machine with greatly improved technology. However, a competitor of BEC, Hiyota, is about to release a new copy machine that may be as good as their product, if not better. Kyle has told Mei-li to pretend to be a potential customer, call Hiyota to set up an appointment to meet with a salesperson, and learn about their copy quality, novel product features, pricing, and advertising strategy so that BEC can modify their machine and defeat Hiyota. Mei-li is not comfortable pretending to be a buyer and believes this would be a violation of BEC’s code of ethics, specifically the company’s strong commitment toward competing fairly and honestly. Kyle tells Mei-li this is not illegal and that behavior such as this takes place all the time. Mei-li asks their boss, Bob, about Kyle’s proposal. Bob tells Mei-li unofficially to follow Kyle’s plan, but officially that BEC does not condone such practices. When Mei-li asks Bob if he has ever done something like this before, Bob responds with a list of excuses he has heard to justify such unethical behavior and does not directly answer Mei-li’s question.
Mei-li is being pressured to violate BEC’s code of ethics by both Kyle and Bob. Mei-li is aware that Kyle is under great pressure to make sure BEC’s machine out-performs Hiyota or he will probably be fired.
Required
1- IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM-What makes the case situation an ethical problem? Focus your discussion in terms of rights, obligations, fairness, relationships, and integrity.
2- IDENTIFY THE CONSTITUENTS. Who has been hurt? Who could be hurt? Who could be helped? Can you negotiate with them? How?
3- DIAGNOSE THE SITUATION. How did it happen in the first place? What could have prevented it? Is it going to get worse or better? Can the damage now be undone?
4- ANALYZE YOUR OPTIONS. Imagine the range of possibilities or possible decisions or choices that you will make; limit yourself to the two or three most manageable choices. Refer to a company mission statement or code of ethics for guidance/reference.
5- MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. What is your intention in making this decision? Can you discuss the problem with the affected parties before you act? Could you disclose your decision to your boss, the CEO, the board of directors, your family, or society as a whole?
Note : each answer should be in 200 words and in your own words.