Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Case Notes
Chapter 6: Ethical Conflict Management
Case Study 6.1: A Tale of Two (Un) Apologies
Case Synopsis and Analysis
This case examines two notably poor examples of apologies. The first was offered by United
Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz after airport police violently removed a ticketed passenger from a
flight. Munoz blamed the passenger at first. Later, he took full responsibility, vowed to make
Learning Objectives
• Students will identify similar shortcomings in the apologies offered by Munoz and Modly.
Discussion Guide
Probe to identify the weaknesses of these apologies based on the elements of complete (ethical)
apologies described in the chapter—acknowledgement, remorse, explanation and reparation.
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
Case Study 6.2: Negotiating the Plant Reopening
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Brilliance Glass, which makes specialty colored glass products, is the largest employer in its
small Nebraska community. Recently, state and federal officials discovered that the plant was
The case asks readers to imagine they are heading up negotiations to reopen the plant as the
company representative and identifies others participating in the negotiations. To prepare,
students are asked to follow the steps of principled negotiation outlined in the chapter.
Learning Objectives
• Students will develop their perspective-taking ability.
Discussion Guide
This case is best discussed in small groups where all students are more likely to engage in
answering the questions. After the groups have completed their work, call the class back together
and debrief. Here are some suggested answers to each of the queries:
1. How can you encourage participants to take an integrative approach to negotiation?
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
2. How might you separate the people from the problem?
There could be strong negative feelings. The neighborhood chair likely feels frightened;
the mayor might be angry at government authorities for not monitoring emissions sooner.
3. What are the interests of each party?
Brilliance representative—to reopen the plant but only if it can still generate profits.
State officials—to make sure the plant doesn’t violate standards going forward.
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
4. What possible solutions could meet the interests of all parties?
Keeping the plant closed would not meet the interests of the company or the regional
5. What criteria could be used to determine the terms of the final settlement?
State and federal standards should determine safe levels of emissions. A neutral third
6. What ethical issues might arise during the negotiations and how might you deal with
them?
The company might be tempted to lie about its pollution control steps, and the
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Case Study 6.3: The #MeToo Movement: Taking Sexual Harassment Seriously
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Following sexual abuse allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, actress
Prior to MeToo, sexual harassment on the job often went unpunished. Employers ignored
the complaints of victims and often promoted the victimizers instead. Powerful men used
nondisclosure agreements, where women accept payouts to keep silent, to hide their abuse. Now
Learning Objectives
• Students will evaluate the impact of the #MeToo moment on the workplace and society.
• Students will decide if nondisclosure agreements involving sexual abuse should be banned.
Discussion Guide
Begin by having students reflect on any changes (or lack of changes) in attitudes about sexual
harassment and discrimination at their colleges and workplaces. Next, address the use of
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
nondisclosure agreements. Point out that such agreements do offer victims some benefits. They
avoid unwanted publicity and lengthy court trials (which they could lose) while receiving