Tech-Smart Computer Company recently discovered a defect in the hard disks installed in its model R24 computer. The hard disk headin these units retracts too violently whenever the computers are turned off. As a result, the hard disks are destroyed after thecomputer is turned on and off approximately 500 times. Tech-Smarthas sold 4,000 model R24 computers nationwide.
The marketing department at Tech-Smart contacted most of the 4,000owners of the model R24 computer and discovered that 20% (or 800)use their computers in businesses that operate 24 hours per day.These customers never turn their computers off; therefore, the defect should not damage their hard disk units.
Judy Govan, Tech-Smart's controller, has been asked todetermine the cost to correct the hard disk problem and recommend acourse of action. After studying the marketing department'sreport, Judy decides to recommend that Tech-Smart replace the harddrives only in the 3,200 units used by customers who actually turn their computers off. Discuss the ethics of this situation.