their basis for defining ethical standards. (Ferrel & Fraedrich, 1997, p. 59) In order for John to have saved the production workers jobs in the first place, someone had to change the figures on the sales reports to show that sales have not gone down. It is also common practice for companys to take competitors software and use parts of it as their own. If this wasnt true, do you think you would have ever heard of a company called Microsoft? As an Ethical Relativist, Sandy followed what she considered to be ethically acceptable behavior, since modifying figures is common practice at her firm, she did not find it to be immoral. The last theory I would like to discuss is Rule Utilitarianism. Rule Utilitarianism determines behavior on the basis of principles, or rules, designed to promote the greatest utility, rather than on an examination of each particular situation. (Ferrel & Fraedrich, 1997, p. 56) As a Rule Utilitarian, Sandy must follow the rules, which means she could not change the figures on the quality-control reports. Even though it may be considered common practice at Sandys firm, it is still considered unethical behavior. Sandy cannot modify the quality control statistics even if it means she will loose her job, and she cannot overlook the workers disposing of toxic waste improperly. Even if this means that she will be one of many, loosing their jobs. As a Rule Utilitarian Sandy cannot forget about OSHA or the EPA. She will tell John that she cannot change the information on company documents because it is unethical. Sandy will do what is morally right, even if it means she will lose her job and her health insurance along with many other employees. Looking at these various outcomes from just one dilemma shows how differently a situation can turn out because of someones ethical and moral philosophies. We all must make ethical decisions, and some decisions are much harder to decide then others because of what is ...
