Question

Rahul works for a small business developing apps. His latest app, which he developed to make it easier for friends to catch up over coffee, was a huge success and Rahul’s company received a Creativity Award from Apple. However, during an interview with SBS TV, Rahul’s boss took all of the credit for the development of the app, and Rahul received no credit for his work.

Analyse the above case study using four classical ethical theories. So, it is always from the four classical ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue and contract.

Answer 1

Solution:-

The four classical ethical theories are :-

1) Utilitarian(Consequence-based) -

Utilitarian ethical theories develops the abilities to predict the consequences of an action. It stresses on promotion of utility and happiness. But one of the problem with utilitarianism is that ignores concerns of justice for the minority population.

This can be seen in the above case study. Rahul's boss was not concerned about Rahul's happiness. Though Rahul developed that app and he was awarded by the company but in front of the media the boss took all the credit. This is unethical.

2) Deontology(Duty-Based) -

It states that people when engaged in decision making when ethics are in play should adhere to their duties and obligations. Deontology ethical theories stresses the respect for persons and the role of duty. Consistent decisions are produced if a person who adheres to deontological theory as they are based on the individual's set duties. The problem or flaw with deontology is that the importance of social utility and happiness is underestimated.

Rahul's boss was not concerned about Rahul's happiness. Praising Rahul in front of media was Rahul's boss's duty which he didn't do. This could lead to a great moral down for Rahul.

3) Contract based(Rights) -

In Rights based ethical theories, the highest priority is given and the rights established by a society are protected. A large population endorses rights and are considered to be ethically correct. They provide motivation for morality. The issue with this ethical theory is that it offers only a minimal morality.

Rahul was to be appraised in front of media as well but he was nowhere in the picture.The boss put down rahul's moral. Due to this Rahul may not work as enthusiastically as he used to in the coming future. Rahul has the full right to come in the limelight which his boss deprived from him.

4) Virtue(Character-based) -

A person's character is judged instead of his actions that may deviate from his/her normal behavior in Virtue based ethical theories. It gives more stress on moral education and moral development. When rating an irregular and unusual behavior which is unethical, a person's reputation, motivation and moral is taken into account. The flaw inside this ethical theory is that for morality it depends upon homogeneous community standards.

By doing such kind of action Rahul's boss's character is reflected. He is a kind of person who wants to become famous doing nothing which is unethical. Due to this not only Rahul's but also other employees moral will be down. Many of the deserving and potential employees(like Rahul) may quit job. This will affect companies growth and development. As the company is a small business it should encourage employees like Rahul so that it can spread world wide.