Three Ethical Theories - Essay Example

? Three Ethical Theories Scenario one Ethics problems 2 Scenario one presented (in your own words Different ways people may act (and why): Perspective/ theory that may be applied Possible reactions and explanations to the situation Utilitarian In utilitarian ethical perspectives, considerations that are made should be able to maximize utility. The actions taken should therefore be influenced only by the expected outcomes and the consequences of the outcomes on the success of the business. In scenario one, the power of technological must be emphasised to understand the powers it presents to both the employees and the employers. Much technology thus makes it possible for businesses to track how their employees use the computers, phones and even the copy machines. Utilitarianism approach appreciates the fact the means used in doing something should be justified by the end results. The business owner is thus justified to take any action which may improve the end results, in this situation, an increase in productivity. The company cannot therefore allow a free reign of the employees which allows them to have unrestricted and unmonitored use of the company internet. Free access and use of company services like the internet will end up with a situation in which the employees cease to care about the business they work and lose the aim of increasing productivity and profitability. Utilitarianism ethical perspectives support the actions of the senior management as it will increase productivity in the long run. Deontological This ethical principle focuses more on the rules and responsibilities set forward instead of looking at the final end result. If this approach is used in scenario one, each employee will be provided with rules and regulations that govern internet use while at work. This provides employees with the option of knowing what is expected of them and that every action taken must be supported by a logical reason. Invading the employee privacy to make the employees know that what they are doing is not right cannot be applied with this ethical perspective. Ethical Relativism In ethical relativisms, actions are weighed based on the practises found within a specific setup. There exist no universal way of measuring and evaluating the actions of the senior managers in this scenario to conclude on that it infringes on the privacy of the employees. Suggested approaches Scenario two Different ways people may act (and why): Perspective/ theory that may be applied Possible reactions and explanations to the situation Utilitarian From the overview provided, it is visible that actions made by the state department officials to inflate the cost of setting the department website created an expensive situation due to the increased costs of operations that were incurred. This action did not produce any good both to the individuals involved and to the state corporation as it increased the cost of operating the website. The end of this action went against the means that was used to acquire it Deontological The methods and steps adopted in doing something are much more important than the final results that we seek to achieve. The staffs who were responsible for the establishment of this site should have weighed their actions and choices, not based on the end results or their individual desires but based on the methods and approach adopted. In a situation where other methods were available to accomplish this task, they should have gone for the cheapest option. Ethical Relativism No standard exist upon which the actions of the employees can be evaluated except the tradition set by the society. In this society, corrupt deals and lack of integrity is not accepted in whatever means therefore making these actions inacceptable. Scenario two is therefore unacceptable by almost all these ethical theories. Suggested approaches Read More