Comtemporary Management Issues - Assignment Example

Contemporary Management Issues Introduction: Ethics are a very essential part of every business. There are a number of different theories that have been developed like utilitarian, deontology, consequentialism and many more. Consequentialism ethics mainly refers to the moral theories and values which hold mainly the idea that every action creates a base for the moral judgements for the action. Considering this and consequentialist perspective, any action that results in good outcomes and consequences can be classified as right action in terms of morals. Part I How the consequentialist ethic may be used by wine producers in their support of the use of metal screw tops instead of the traditional cork. The Wine industry is one which has been a constantly growing industry. The industry is self sustainable which provide a steady growth and stability to the country’s economy. The wine making industry has been using the corks produced from the barks of the trees in this part of the country for over centuries. However, one needs to realize that these forests are thriving due to the presence of such industries (Darwall, 2007). However in the recent times that has been a very big dilemma in terms of the cork to be used, the companies have now two choices, i.e. the traditional champagne corks and the metal corks. The introduction of the metal corks has been one which is influenced by the idea of the number of trees that are needed to be cut down for the use in cork industry (Bentham, 1789). This under the ISO 9001 does fall into the regulation and thus this can be used by the companies. This creates a strong ethical issue and also a moral issue. Considering the cork industry, it is seen that the industry similar to the wine industry is one which self contained and is one which has seen steady growth irrespective of the external factors. However the industry is completely dependent on the trees and this has been the case for a number of centuries. However, one needs to realize that these forests are thriving due to the presence of such industries (Hollis, 2002). It lays importance on the essence of the action, the thought behind the action should be positive and towards the betterment. The consequences or the results of the action should not be given much importance (Scheffler, 1988). For actions to be considered as right it is essential that the actions led to best consequences. However there is clearly no case of egoism that has been seen in the use of metal corks in the companies. Egoism is a case where the companies work based only on self interest and without considering the other parties that might be affected by the decision. As per the consequentialist perspective this is a sensible and ethical decision to be made by the company as this spreads happiness and also the consequence of the use of metal screw tops is beneficial to all at the end of the process (Samuel, 2004). In terms of consequentialism, supported by utility theory, actions which have the best consequences are the ones which can be considered to be right actions ethically. The consequences are the virtue and base for the judgement of actions in utilitarian theories. However in the recent times, there has been a high level of developments, changes, and movements which have been noted in consequentialism and deontology (Lawrence, 2007). There have been a number of arguments against consequentialism from the side of virtue ethics. This thus leads to a judgement where the action id judged rather than how the action has been done (Honderich, 2006). This makes the decision ethical and also the decision allows for a chance to better the society and ensure safety of customers. In short the end result of the use of metal screw tops instead of the traditional cork proves to be more beneficial to almost every party concerned except for the cork producers. This makes a number of people happy and thus can be considered to be an ethical and moral decision made by the company (Istvan & Newhauser, 2005). How the consequentialist ethic may be used by consumer groups in their opposition to the use of the metal screw tops instead of the traditional cork Considering the consumer groups under the consequentialist ethic, there is a high chance that the consumers will oppose the use of metal screw tops when compared to the use of traditional corks. Firstly, the use of a metal cover can lead to health problems, where in the metal could be affected by the alcohol and could lead to the alcohol also being affected and becoming harmful to the customers health. Also the metal could pose to be difficult for the customers and could lead to higher chance of cuts and wounds. Also the use of the traditional corks has been there for a very long time and this has been a safe mode of closing the bottles (Robson, 1861). However the use of metals could cause a number of health hazards for the customers. The wine producers have their own advantages of using metal screw tops rather than the traditional corks (Morrison, 2008). ISO 4001 deals with the environment and the businesses. This is a certification that states that businesses are working within the environemtal rules and regulations and does not have aspects which might prove to be destructive to the business or anyone involved with it. Also the ISO 2600 deals with the environmental friendly and social responsibility of businesses. Considering the wine companies, it is clear that the companies will still comply with the ISO 2600 standards if they move to use metal screw tops rather than the traditional corks. There are a number of different factors that have been considered here, first of all, the use of metal screw tops rather than the traditional corks has proved to be very beneficial for the company to reduce the rate of damage to the products (Istavn, 2005). This in a number of ways is beneficial to both the company as well as the customers as it helps reduce the chances of damaged goods and also reduces the need for the product to be returned back to the company. It is also said by the metal corks producers and the wine producers that it would be easier to operate when compared to the traditional corks. This would be a hassle free endeavour for the customer as well. All these advantages combined, would greatly help the both the wine producers and the end users. The wine producers can use the consequentialists’ perspective to greatly support them in making the world realize that what they are trying to do would produce betterment for the society, for the people who use their services and for their own purpose as well (Bentham, 1789). The advantages of using metal corks instead of traditional corks are more; they are easy to use, reliable and would ensure quality of product. The end result of such an action would prove to be helpful for a larger chunk of society. Apart from the customers the other group of people who would be affected would be the cork companies. This would greatly hamper the cork industry as the demand for their product would not be as forecasted, resulting in losses (Lawrence, 2007). A complete elimination of wood corks might severely destroy this industry to an extent that it may not be able to flourish again. Traditionally, it was considered impossible that any other product would be able to withstand the pressure that is build inside a champagne bottle. It is three time the pressure in a tire and can send a cork flying at a speed of 25 miles per hour (Morrison, 2008). This would result in damaging consequences. Considering these factors it is clear that the effects of the use of the metal makes a number of people unhappy and discontented and this as per the ethical theory is one which is not moral. Thus this is not a consequentially ethical decision. Part II The merits of the consequentialist ethic given that it is able to support both sides of the same argument Consequentialist ethics has shown a number of advantages in terms of both the wine companies as well as that of the consumers. The consequentialist ethics has shown a benefit for both the sides the company as well as the customers. One major aspect of consequentialist ethics is that it considers only on the end result rather than the entire process. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the consequentialist ethics. This does not take into consideration the possible benefits or harm that is caused during the process to any of the parties that are involved. Thus to gain a better perspective, here a closer look will be made on the benefits to the company and the consumers (Istavn, 2005). The concept of consequentialism brings along with itself the issue of utilitarianism. This is another one of the ethical approaches that has been discussed earlier. This is an approach which is worth for an action. Here there is a determination of the moral based on the overall affect that it leaves on the people. This includes the happiness it provides and the pleasure it imparts to all the people. This form of ethical approach is in a number of ways a form similar to or even a form of consequentialism. This is majorly because the moral worth of the wine corks and the choice is judged based on the pleasure that is derived (Caws, 2005). The main aim of the consequentilism is to help the company reduce the losses in terms of the cork taint to the maximum possible level and also to provide the customers with a comfortable substitute in terms of a cover for the drink. This method though thinks of all the parties involved, the major weakness that the method has is the fact that it does not take into consideration the workers and the investors of the cork manufacturing company (Caws, 2005). The consequences that this group of people would have to face are not considered by the consequential ethics. The major point of argument here is that consequentialist ethics helps regulating the process and helps create a balance in the entire process and also helps create a balance on the consequences to the stakeholders and any party involved (Robson, 1861). Considering the company on the basis of the consequentialist it will provide a chance to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the change in the use of covers for the bottles. In terms of the customers it provides a balanced knowledge of the happiness that they gain from the products. The positive point to be noted here is that the consequential ethics helps provide a clear understanding of the needs of the customers and also helps ensure that the customers get what they want (Darwall, 2002). Another positive aspect of the consequential ethics is that it provides a mode to ensure that the business, i.e. the company also works in profits because of the change. As discussed earlier, the consequentialism supports and provides for the results of desired results. Companies have a right to make profits irrespective of the mode they adopt to make it (Caws, 2005). Considering this under the utilitarian point, it is important to understand the value of the change at the end of the process. Although the process that the wine companies use in the change process of leaving the coke manufacturers high and dry, yet considering this on a positive note under the consequentialism ethics, helps the company sustain the profits. The consequential ethics thus proves to be very beneficial for both the customers as well as the company (Samuel, 2004). How the consumer as the final decision maker in the supply chain may use the ethic of virtue to respond to the wine producers’ use of the metal screw tops instead of the traditional cork In contrast, the virtue theory places more importance on the character of the action rather that the consequences that it may have in the end (Audi, 1997). It plays greater importance to the thought behind the action being right or wrong, as the decisive factor for the action to the morally and ethically correct. For example, the fact that trees should not be cut down for the development and sustainability of Mother Nature, should be an ethically right thought and course of action (Vardy & Grosch, 1999). Following the two it is understood that the level of happiness or unhappiness that is based on the action, the utility judges. Happiness is the product of right actions and unhappiness is the cause of wrong actions. Happiness can be gained only if the actions are based on morals and have the right ethics. According to an estimate, every one bottle in ten bottles of champagne are ruined due to this phenomena. If metal corks are implemented, they would greatly reduce this inventory damage for the organization producing it. Also the welfare of all is taken into account while dealing with the amount of happiness that is calculated in the utilities (Darwall, 2007). The main point of the consequentialist and the major focus for them is not the route followed to reach the end results, but only the end results itself. This means that the judgement of an action is based on the outcome and not the means followed to get to the result. In short, consequentialism is where the ends means the most and the consequentialist are more so worried only about the results and not the process that is being followed (Darwell, 2002). Also, it would be better value for the consumers as they would not have to go with the hassle of returning the damaged wine or not getting a payback at all. The use of metal screw tops thus leads to a consequence where the company as well as the customers and all intermediaries are happy. This consequentialist theory was developed some 60 years ago and since then it has been an important of British ethical history. As the name suggests, the consequentialist theory pays emphasis on the consequences of an action (Darwall, 2007). The consumer group, if considered, can use the virtue ethic to choose the use of metal corks instead of the traditional cork system (Bentham, 1789). As the theory of virtue says that the character of the thought behind the action deems to be more effective and should be considered while considering the action as a good or a bad one, the use of metal corks is intended to bring betterment to society on a larger scale in many ways (Caws, 2005). It would at first, stop the stripping down of the century old cork forests that can add beauty to the scenery. They can also be used to cut down on wine destruction due to cork taint and other reasons (Robson, 1861). The virtue and ethics are internal factors and the concept of consequentialism is one which does not include the virtue and ethics. It has become a sustainable business in the society. Some might question the ethical dilemma that is present here, the harvesting of precious trees and jungles for corks. Easier to use as well, these corks would ensure the society moves towards an advance direction. Evaluating the thought behind using the metal screws in place of traditional cork screws, keeping in mind the virtue ethic, the consumer group can conclude that thought behind using metal corks is an ethical one, hence the action is deemed to be ethical and should be continued (Lawrence, 2007). Bibliography Audi, R. (1997), ‘Moral Knowledge and ethical character’; Oxford University Press Bentham J. (1789), The Principles of Morals & Legislation, pp. 120-125 Caws, P. (2005), ‘Minimal consequentialism’, London: Macmillan Darwall, S. (2007), ‘Consequentialism’, Oxford: Blackwell Darwell, S., (2002), ‘Consequentialism’, 3 December 2002, Willey Blackwell Publishers Hollis, M (2002), ‘Reason for ethics in business’; Cambridge University Press Honderich, T. (2006), ‘Consequentialism, Moral issue of concern’, Cambridge University Istavn, P. (2005), ‘Virtue Ethics in 12th century’, Brill Publishers Istvan, P. & Newhauser, G. (2005), ‘Virtue and ethics in the twelfth century’, Brill academic Publishers Lawrence, B (2007), ‘Civil Virtue; Social Theory Practice’, October 2007 Morrison, P., 2008, ‘Save the amazing forest…. Uncork a bottle of wine’, Mail Online, 29th November 2008, Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1090462/Save-amazing-forest---uncork-bottle-wine.htmlc (Accessed on 28th April 2009) Robson J.M. (1861), ‘Utilitarianism, reprinted in Essays on Ethics, Religion and Society Collected Works’, vol. 10, Toronto University Press, pp. 210 Samuel, C. (2004), ‘The rejection of consequentialism’, Oxford: Calaredon Press Scheffler, S., (1988), ‘Consequentialism and Its Critics’, 14 April 1988, Oxford University Press, USA Smart, J.J.C., & Williams, B., (1973), ‘Utilitarianism: For and Against’, 1 January 1973, Cambridge University Press Vardy, P. and Grosch, P. (1999) The Puzzle of Ethics Fount London, p220 Read More