Question

Chapter 12 – Discussion Board – Read “An Ethical Dilemma” on p. 346-347.

1. Describe the ethical dilemma Jared faces.

2. How does Jonathan rationalize his reasons for not reporting the pollution?

3. How might the water pollution impact different stakeholders?   

COURSE: Ethics at Work

Answer 1

1. The ethical dilemma Jared faces can be summed up in a single line as – ‘What comes first, Company or the Environment?’

He needs to deliberate that on which level of CSR Pyramid should the company operate, that is, whether the company should just focus on its profits and be economical (bottom level of the CSR pyramid) or, whether the company should focus on the well being of the environment and be a good corporate citizen (topmost level of the CSR pyramid).

2. To rationalize his reasons for not reporting the pollution, Jared takes the help of two facts:

• All other factories also disposed wastes in the area
• The acceptable methods of disposal in China

3. The impact of water pollution on different stakeholders are:

• The Company: If they’ve to clean up the wastes disposed, they will have to find a new dumping place as well as ensure cleaning of water already polluted. Also care has to be taken not to repeat the same mistake. Thus, a lot of cost would be involved, impacting the company’s financials.
• The Society/Villagers: They are the main victims of water pollution since the water that would be safe for utility has been polluted, which, if consumed, may lead to diseases and if not, they will have to find another water resource. In both ways, their problems have been increased.