Smoking Is Both a Choice and a Responsibility - Case Study Example

Medically speaking, smoking is unhealthy. But for those who see smoking as something that is good for them, then stopping them would be otiose. As a matter of fact, a Spanish film director named Luis Buñuel (1900-1983) called tobacco a loyal friend through fair weather and foul while Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), an Irish poet, playwright, and wit, addressed cigarette as an exquisite and perfect type of perfect pleasure.

Smoking is both a Choice and a Responsibility

            Even though Thomas Edison did not have any smoker employees, in the present era, smoking is something that is included in the choice and freedom of an individual. As long as this freedom does not interfere with others’ freedom, then there should be no problem. In this case, banning smoking among employees inside their private vehicles in a company’s parking lot is unacceptable in a democratic country.

A higher number of subordinates means a more diverse set of personalities and cultures to deal with. Thus, as a part of a management team, a supervisor should know how to balance things for the benefit of all of his subordinates and not just for the good of some.

It is unethical to put away something that is already embedded in one’s culture if it is not affecting the person’s productivity and the organization’s well-being. Hence, the essentiality of one’s choice/ right and the responsibility attached therein should be made clear to all members of an organization, regardless of rank/ position. In this case, smoking, as a choice and right, has also its corresponding responsibility. An individual may enjoy this right as long as he/ she do not hamper the right of other people. Also, the consequences of a person’s choice should not jeopardize the welfare of the organization to which he/she belongs.

 Fairness to All

Management interventions arise once productivity is compromised. Thus, in order to prevent conflicts, the management should ensure fairness in creating/ implementing rules and regulations. For instance, one good action in order to be fair among smokers and non-smokers employee is the provision of smoking areas outside working areas. In this way, the productivity of those who are smoke-sensitive would not be affected by those who smoke and vice-versa. Also, cigarette breaks in between major breaks may be allowed provided that goals/ deadlines are met. Also, an employee should be well-informed of the conditions of the working environment prior to deployment so that unpleasant dilemmas would be prevented to arise, if not minimized.

Agencies and individuals concerned have done their part to inform the public of the hazards that smoking might bring to one’s health. Now, whether to stop or not is for an individual to decide. As long as no other person suffers for the choices that he/she makes. Besides, humans are created with their free will intact to be enjoyed/ utilized and more importantly be responsible for.