2. Chapter 2 Case Hypothetical and Ethical Dilemma
As hiring coordinator for Hennessey Networking Solutions, Inc. (Hennessey), Andrea
Templeton knew that her position was of utmost importance to her company in terms of
hiring candidates who were well-qualified, and who would best contribute to the company’s
overall success. On her desk was the employment application and resume of Timothy
Carraway. Andrea had just finished her interview of Timothy, who was the last in a long line
of interviewees who had applied for an entry-level information technology (IT) position at
Hennessey. Hennessey only had one (1) opening available. During Timothy’s interview, the
candidate revealed that seven (7) years ago, he had been tried and convicted in federal court
for selling a significant amount of cocaine. Timothy had also revealed the conviction on his
employment application. Timothy went to great lengths to explain to Andrea that he
sincerely regretted the indiscretions of his youth, and that he had spent the last seven (7)
years of his life “paying penance,” and reforming his life. After serving three (3) years in
federal penitentiary, Timothy had earned his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology,
graduating with honors.
Timothy’s interview had gone very well. In fact, Andrea felt that in terms of his personality
and education, he was the best “fit” for the position. Andrea was obviously concerned about
Timothy’s criminal background, but she was also concerned about the young man should he
not find an employment opportunity after graduating from college. Without a legitimate
employment option, would Timothy revert back to his “criminal ways?
Does Andrea Templeton and Hennessey Networking Solutions, Inc. have an ethical
obligation to hire Timothy Carraway? Should Andrea’s “hire” decision be based exclusively
on Timothy’s qualifications for the job? Why or why not?
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3. Chapter 2 Ethical Dilemma
What is the best source for ethical business practices: The
individual employee, or the business organization itself? To
what extent should individual employees be allowed to lend
input in the creation of a code of ethics for a business
organization? In the event that an individual employee’s
ethical standards differ from his/her employer’s code of
ethics, what can/should be done to resolve those differences?
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4. Business Ethics and Social
Responsibility
Ethics: The study and practice of decisions about what
is good or right
Business Ethics: The application of ethics to the
problems and opportunities experienced by
businesspeople
Ethical Dilemma: A problem about what a firm should
do for which no clear, right decision is available
Social Responsibility of Business: Expectations that the
community imposes on firms doing business inside its
borders
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5. The “WPH” Process of Ethical Decision
Making: W—WHO (Stakeholders)
Consumers
Owners or Investors
Management
Employees
Community
Future Generations
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6. The “WPH” Process of Ethical Decision
Making: P—PURPOSE (Values)
Freedom
Security
Justice
Efficiency
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7. Primary Values and Business Ethics:
Freedom
To act without restriction from rules imposed by
others
To possess the capacity or resources to act as
one wishes
To escape the cares and demands of this world
entirely
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8. Primary Values and Business Ethics:
Security
To possess a large enough supply of goods and
services to meet basic needs
To be safe from those wishing to interfere with
your property rights
To achieve the psychological condition of self-
confidence to such an extent that risks are
welcome
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9. Primary Values and Business Ethics:
Justice
To receive the products of your labor
To treat all humans identically, regardless of
race, class, gender, age, and sexual preferences
To provide resources in proportion to need
To possess anything that someone else is willing
to grant you
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10. Primary Values and Business Ethics:
Efficiency
To maximize the amount of wealth in society
To get the most from a particular output
To minimize costs
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11. The “WPH” Process of Ethical Decision
Making: H—HOW (Guidelines)
Public Disclosure
Universalization
Golden Rule
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