Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Case Notes
Chapter 2: Ethical Decision Making and Action
Case Study 2.1: The Fall of an Auto Industry Icon
Case Synopsis and Analysis
At one point, Nissan/Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn was a star of the automotive industry, credited
with saving Nissan and skillfully overseeing the global alliance of Renault, Nissan, and
Learning Objectives
• Students will recognize the ethical dangers posed by greed and pride.
Discussion Guide
Ghosn is not the first leader (or follower) to fall victim to success. Ask the class for other
examples of prominent people who failed after significant achievements. Don’t overlook the role
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
that the company played in this scandal by failing to rein in the CEO. Identify steps that
organizations can take to prevent executives from being victimized by pride and greed. Record
these on a board, and post up sheet or computer along with steps we can take as individuals to
Case Study 2.2: Scenarios for Analysis
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Five scenarios provide readers with an opportunity to apply one or more of the decision-making
formats presented in the second half of the chapter. These scenarios are drawn from both
business and nonprofit settings.
Learning Objectives
• Students will apply decision-making formats to analyze the scenarios.
Discussion Guide
These scenarios can be used as a class exercise. Divide students into groups and assign them a
format to use during their deliberations. Each group can be assigned a different format or all
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
sheets or on their computers. Ask each group to report to the rest of the class by displaying their
steps and answers.