ETH101 Introduction to Ethics (2021SEP27FT-1)
https://tlc.trident.edu/d2l/le/content/166018/viewContent/4230576/View1/3
Case
Module 2 – Case
ETHICAL DECISION MAKING IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
Assignment Overview
Moving Toward an Ethical Workplace
A multi-generational workforce can be challenging for managers to handle. The
question becomes, what to do with the new talent coming-in, and also the
experienced talent who is approaching retirement? The following Case Study
allows you to make an ethical decision based upon your morals and values.
Case Assignment
Michael Kennedy is fairly new to Company XYZ. He was hired as the VP of HR
and has many years of experience in the HR field. At Company XYZ, he quickly
gains the respect of his peers because he follows all rules and regulations and
does not make any exceptions. He is a baby boomer and has great recollections
of the 70’s. From time to time, he shares his “interesting” stories with his close
colleagues at work. He served in the US military and was a Sergeant in Vietnam.
Michael has dealt with a lot of organizational changes throughout his tenure and
has a unique philosophy that he strongly believes in—“one should be prepared
for anything, but should expect nothing.”
The CEO of Company XYZ (John Smithson) has been trying to trim the fat at his
organization so the company could hire some “fresh” new talent. John Smithson
believes (without any documentation in their performance evaluations) that some
of the “senior” employees are not as productive and do not bring much to the
table. In fact, he shares with Michael that “the sooner they start with Project New
Blood, the sooner Michael will get his well-deserved raise.” Michael devises a
plan to lay off 10 “senior” employees and hire five “fresh” college graduates.
ETH101 Introduction to Ethics (2021SEP27FT-1)
https://tlc.trident.edu/d2l/le/content/166018/viewContent/4230576/View2/3
Michael believes he is an ethical individual and is happy to provide his
employees with a notable severance package. He uses the following chart to
discuss the savings with the CEO. His rationale is that if 10 “senior” employees
are laid-off, then they can easily hire 5 “fresh” desperate college graduates to do
twice the work at a lower salary.
Senior Employees Salary Years at
Company XYZ
New Hires Salary
Employee # 1$100,00020Employee # 1$70,000
Employee # 2$120,00022Employee # 2$65,000
Employee # 3$110,00021Employee # 3$72,000
Employee # 4$100,00020Employee # 4$68,000
Employee # 5$120,00022Employee # 5$70,000
Employee # 6$110,00021——
Employee # 7$100,00020——
Employee # 8$120,00022——
Employee # 9$110,00021——
Employee # 10$115,00021——
Total $1,105,000210 years of
experience
Total $345,000
In his eyes, the plan will save Company XYZ approximately $700,000 per year.
The CEO is satisfied with Michael’s plan and gives him the green light to start.
The CEO reminds Michael of the “At-Will” employment clause in all employee
contracts that is very helpful for the organization.
Assignment Expectations
After reading the Modular readings and conducting your own research, please
answer the following questions in a 2-3 page paper using APA:
1. Do you think it is ethical to lay off 10 of the “senior” employees, to hire five
new college graduates, and to double the work of the new employees? Justify
your response.
2. Is it worth laying off 10 senior employees for saving $700,000 per year? What
are the pros and cons to the situation? Justify your response are the pros and cons to the situation? Justify your response.
3. Is it ethical to pre-screen potential employees by using the internet (i.e.,
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, and YouTube)?
4. What are some solutions to this case study? What is the best solution for this
case study? Justify your response.
Your paper should be double-spaced and in 12-point type size.
Your paper should have a separate cover page and a separate reference page
containing the full citations corresponding to the in-text citations you choose to
use in the body of your paper. So in addition to the 2- to 3-page body of your
paper you will have a title page and a reference page So overall you will be
