1. Introduction
This report describes the case study 8 which is based on the U-Wear-It company which manufactures the small processors that are used in manufacturing the wearable technology. Analysing the ethical dilemma faced by the IT production manager “Juan” is the key aim of this report. Moreover, another aim is to analyze and resolve the ethical dilemma using Thomas White’s methodology. Apart from this, it also lists the three values of ACS codes of ethics and five clauses of ACS codes of professional conduct relevant to the case.
2. Ethical dilemma
As the solder of processors is found as very harmful for health and also found as against the Work Health and Safety Act, but the CEO of the company said the IT Production manager Juan to solder the processors in the island in the Indian Ocean which does not have any legal safety and health laws. Solder of the processor by humans can cause various health problems to humans such as problem-related to eyes and headaches. Therefore, Juan is in an ethical dilemma about whether to accept or reject the orders of the CEO. In order to solve this dilemma. Juan can follow Thomas White’s Methodology for resolving the ethical dilemma which consists of three steps which are explained below.
Analysis of consequences:
At first, Juan should analysis the various repercussions of following the available options (White, n.d.). Let’s assume, there are two options for Juan.
First one is to agree with the decision of the CEO. It may include various consequences such as violation of health and safety laws, violation of wages act, compromise of employee safety, various health issues and increased productivity and profit.
The other one is to disagree with the CEO which may lead to job loss for Juan.
Analysis of actions:
After analyzing the various consequences of available options then Juan should analyze the available actions and also find out the relevant ACS codes of ethics for this case study (White, n.d.).
The primacy of public interest: This code of ethics is very relevant to this case study. According to this, the CEO does not play with the health and safety of employees or the public for his personal and private interest. The CEO must endeavour to preserve the security and safety of the employees (Burmeister, 2017).
Enhancement of quality of life: According to this code, the company must promote and protect the safety and health of the employees which are affected by the work of soldering processors. If Juan follows the order of CEO, then it will be against this ethical code and will be unethical in nature because the CEO wants to get the more profit at the cost of health and safety of employees (Burmeister, 2017).
Competence: According to this code of ethics, Juan and CEO will make their self aware of the various rules, standards, and laws. They must act according to the rules. Juan can also advise the CEO and higher authorities that the manufacture the manufacturing work is not in their best interest and can cause various diseases to employees. If the CEO will not change his decision, then he must be accepting the responsibility of work (Burmeister, 2017).
Five clauses of ACS codes of professional conduct: The relevant clauses are listed below.
Take a calm, objective, informed and knowledgeable stance on your professional work, complementing your enthusiasm and engagement in it.
Take appropriate action against members who engage in behaviours contrary to this Code
Confront attempts to limit diversity in the workplace, and ensure that opportunities for employment, advancement, remuneration, and other working conditions are based on the actual skills and performance of employees, free of stereotypes and prejudices
Neither require nor attempt to influence, any person to take any action which would involve a breach of this Code
Refrain from any conduct or action in your professional role which may tarnish the image of the profession or detract from the good name of the ACS (ACS Code of Professional Conduct, 2014).
Decision:
In this step, the final decision will be made by Juan on the basis of the above two steps (White, n.d.). Juan is recommended to communicate with the higher authorities to discuss the consequences of the decision made by the CEO. Apart from this, Juan can also communicate with the CEO and made him aware about the code of ethics and legislation because according to the ACS codes of ethics, professional cannot compromise the health and safety of employees (ACS Code of Professional Conduct, 2014).
3. References:
Burmeister, O. (2017). Professional ethics in the information age. Journal Of Information, Communication And Ethics In Society, 15(4), 348-356. doi: 10.1108/jices-11-2016-0045
ACS Code of Professional Conduct. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.acs.org.au/content/dam/acs/rules-and-regulations/Code-of-Professional-Conduct_v2.1.pdf
White, T. Resolving an Ethical Dilemma. Retrieved from http://bourbon.usc.edu/engr102-f09/ethics.pdf
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