Saron Kassahun
02/21/2017
Professor Richard
MGMT210
Ethical Dilemma
The Utilitarian approach, assesses an action based on it’s actions and its consequences.
Under this approach, it is important for a decision maker to consider the outcomes and what
consequences will come out of it. A pro of the Utilitarianism approach is that all of the
consequences are simple. Utilitarianism basically states that a decision concerning business
conduct is proper if and only if that decision produces the greatest good for the greatest number
of individuals. A con, that perhaps is the most evident concern, is the question of who decides
what “the greatest good is”.
The individualism approach asserts that acts are moral when they promote the success of
individuals, or long-term interests of them. A pro of this approach is that the individuals of the
company or business will be driven to accomplish tasks, for their own benefit. Competition can
breed creative solutions, as employees compete for new and better ways to secure personal
benefits. A con for this this approach would be that some people might pursue short-term
rewards at the expense of long-term benefits, such as sustainable progress. This could be a part
of a huge draw back within the company.
With the Justice approach is “fairness”. It has its roots in the teachings of the ancient
Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said that “equals should be treated equally and unequal’s
unequally.” A pro of this approach is that all actions would need to be justified by the court,
therefore the are opportunities for smaller opinions to be considered. A con to this is is that
favoritism and discrimination will arise. People who don’t have a justifiable reason will not be
treated equally.