Ethical Dilemmas in Business: A Case Study

Running head: ETHICAL DILEMMAS
ETHICAL DILEMMAS
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1ETHICAL DILEMMAS
In business ethical dilemmas are common phenomenon that occurs due to several factors
(Werhane, Freeman & Dmytriyev, 2017). The paper aims to discuss the ethical dilemma with a
usage of a case study. The paper will cover ethical, professional and legal issues that arise in the
scenario present in the case study.
In a web design company, when the James was contracted to interview their staff in order
to ascertain their current knowledge. It was for the purpose of suggesting the type of training
course needed to implement. The result was certainly to be confidential as it contained both
strengths and weaknesses of the participants. However, a vice president of the company
approaches James asking him the person who performed best.
The situation above is certainly an ethical dilemma for James. Although he is to keep the
information private and confidential, he is asked about it by a senior vice president. Since he is a
senior vice president, denying him the answer may risk him his job or may be considered doing a
misconduct with a senior. Therefore, it is a situation that is identified as ethical dilemma. James
can react to the situation is a way following the ethical theories or code of ethics that are crucial
in a workplace (Ferrell & Fraedrich, 2015).
The ACS code of ethics is a part of the ACS constitution and as a member of ACS one
must uphold and advance the honor, effectiveness and dignity of being a professional. There are
several society values that are inclusive in the ACS code of conduct. In the present situation, the
same societal values can be applied in order to find out the appropriate way of reacting to the
situation that James has encountered. James can politely deny to his senior vice president
explaining him that it is unethical for him to disclose any information regarding the interview.
According to ACS, the member must act with honesty, professionalism and work to enhance the