Question 1
The following problem is one that must often be faced.
Case: The alcoholic in the workplace : A tense meeting in the office of Mr. R. Howard Williams, Vice President for Personnel (Howie, in what follows), on the case of Mr. Francis J. O'Brien, Director of Special Accounts, Finance Department (Frank), on the request of Mr. Joseph Machowski, Vice President for Finance (Joe), of the Allbest Engineering Division. All three parties are present.
Howie: (after good mornings, offerings of coffee etc.) Joe, you're the "complainant," as it were, why don't you present the complaint.
Joe: Sure. Frank and I have been working together, more or less, for over seven years now, and I have a great deal of respect for him as a person, Frank, I want to say that right now. But in the last seven or eight months there's been nothing but trouble, and if it were up to me we'd have let you go by now, I guess you know that. There was the time in April when we needed the data on the Stoddard account for the planning meeting, and it was your responsibility to get it there, and you were nowhere to be found, and neither was the data. Then there were the long lunch hours that we only found out about when your secretary was sick and the substitute found out that she was supposed to cover for you from one to two-thirty in the afternoon! Whatever else you can do with secretaries in these liberated days, you can't ask them to lie for you--it's just not fair. Then you were due for the Department meeting in early May which we hoped to be able to pick up the pieces from the April fiasco, and you checked out "sick" two hours before the meeting. All the rest of us had to stay half the night getting the paperwork done around you. And speaking of "sick," you've missed six Mondays, out "sick", out of the last fourteen. Someone has to do your work when you're out, you know. You are just not carrying your share of the load. You missed the July 1 Department Report deadline, Howie, I've got all this in black and white. I spoke to you about the Stoddard account, and when I found out about the lunch hours I put a disciplinary note in your file. Another went in after you missed the May meeting, and a final warning after July 1. After I noticed the Monday pattern I started to process the papers for termination, and found out I had to go through this office, not my choice. That's why we're here.
Howie: That's one of the reasons why we're here. Joe, as a good supervisor, you have documented performance and stopped there. But I have to look into causes and cures. I know you've been happy with Frank's work in the past, and that you would be happy to keep him on if he could be restored to full performance. I also know that it would cost the company almost $100,000, all things considered, to separate Frank, hire a successor, and train him or her to do Frank's job. And I suspect that Frank would rather keep his job than be fired! So we serve everyone's interests if we get Frank working well again. And I think we can do that. Frank, I know some things that Joe does not. Two of your co-workers have come to me, independently, worried about your drinking. Your neighbor Walter, who plays tennis with me, has mentioned his concern over the times you've arrived home clearly under the influence of alcohol, once driving over a corner of his lawn. His wife noticed alcohol on your breath at a neighborhood meeting two months ago. And our health center's part time medical staff member circulated a set of physical symptoms of alcohol abuse--including mottled face and hands--that describe you to a T. Now wait a minute, before you get mad, I know full well that none of this is "evidence" that would stand up in court. But court is not my concern. I want to help you and help the company at the same time. You probably know already that you're in a pattern of alcohol abuse that can land you out of a job, out of health, out of life. This is probably a part of other troubles, including the problems with your wife that you've told some of us about. No we are not spying! The only reason I listen to this "gossip" is so that, sometimes, I can help. We have rehabilitation programs for immediate help, family therapy to help both you and your wife get a better grip on your problems, and connections with Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon for long term support. Listen to me, Frank. You, your family, and the company will all get through this in decent shape if you will let us help you.
Frank: Finally I get a word in edgewise? Thanks. I have very little to say. Joe, you and I have not gotten along, and it's not entirely your fault. I thought when I joined on here that the Finance division was a short assignment until a position opened up in Marketing, where I can use some creativity in my job. I've repeatedly put in for the switch but no one can quite find the way to get me over there. I'm sorry if my work doesn't seem to be a model of good attitude, but that's why. And when you look at all the stuff you've got in black and white, there really isn't much there. I did miss a deadline or two, but every one of my counterparts in other Departments has, too. You guys call these meetings out of the blue, demand full reports from all of us, and then get all huffy when we can't supply them just like that. Sorry about that missed meeting; you have me dead to rights there. I just forgot about it. One meeting in nine years? And you were going to fire me? I think after nine years I deserve an occasional long lunch, and if you believe that secretarial scuttlebutt about "forcing me to lie for him," you're dumber than I think. As for the Mondays, I have a nasty case of gastroenteritis that has a way of flaring up after a weekend's eating and drinking; sorry about that too. Yes, drinking, Howie, and whatever you may have heard from the nosy neighbors, I'm not a drunk, and I have problems enough without well-intentioned busybodies trying to reform my life for me. I value my privacy, and my freedom to choose my own lifestyle, and I think, as an adult, I'm entitled to them. What I do on my own time is my own affair. I may change the medication for the gastroenteritis, or I may not. I will try not to be late or absent any more. But you don't have enough in that file to fire me, and you don't have any right to run my life for me, no matter what your opinions of me may be. I'd appreciate it if you'd leave me alone.
Frank, a worker who is being accused of having issues with productivity at work, is the focus of the current situation. The decision over Frank's future will be made by Howie, the vice president for personnel, despite the fact that Joe, the vice president for finance, recently expressed worries about Frank's behavior.
Joe cites a number of instances in which Frank's work was inadequate. This involves skipping crucial meetings, having extended lunches, and missing countless Mondays. Due to these problems, Joe is thinking about firing Frank, which would be expensive for the business because it would have to hire and train a new employee.
But Howie chooses a different strategy. While he understands of Joe's worries, he feels that trying to assist Frank get better rather than firing him right away is the best course of action. Howie has gathered additional information and discovered that worries regarding Frank's drinking habits have been voiced by two coworkers and Walter, his neighbor. Howie is genuinely worried about Frank's wellbeing and the possible effects on his family and the business, despite the fact that this information is not solid proof.
Howie provides Frank with guidance, resources, and connections to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon as well as family therapy. He wants to deal with the underlying problems that might be influencing Frank's behavior alongside to his performance.
Frank, on the other hand, defends himself, stating that some of the issues raised by Joe were blown out of proportion. Frank, on the other hand, argues in his favor by saying that some of Joe's points were exaggerated. He admits that he had planned to work in a different department and that maybe his attitude may not be considered the best. Additionally, he respects his privacy and dislikes invasions into his private life.
Several ethical theories can be taken into account in this circumstance. Howie appears to be using consequentialism because he is concerned with how his choices will affect Frank and the business. He also demonstrates the Care Theory because he genuinely cares about Frank and wants to support him through his difficulties.
Howie can still improve several aspects of his strategy, though. He should apologize to Frank because it was intrusive to talk about the neighbor's worries. Howie should to validate Frank's worries about getting wrongfully accused and take responsibility for Frank's viewpoint as well.
Howie should handle the situation sensitively and with respect for Frank's individuality rather than assuming that he is an alcoholic. He might provide Frank with alternatives like private therapy sessions if he prefers alcohol moderation programs, and instruction regarding appropriate drinking for all staff members.
Future plans for Frank should take into account a variety of aspects, such as his performance, any potential underlying problems, and desire to seek assistance. Before making any drastic decisions like termination, a thorough and thoughtful approach is necessary.
In conclusion, addressing workplace issues with compassion and understanding is vital. Howie should take into account all the factors involved, offer genuine support and options, and respect Frank's privacy. By approaching the situation with care, the company can help Frank improve while also fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Question 2
The City Council of Cyber City, USA, is debating a new program: the Cyber City Network, a service that would allow residents to access a wide variety of municipal and school services from their home computers. If the program is approved, residents will be able to scan the city's job listings, apply for building permits, ask questions of the police department, or get their children's homework using the Internet. City Council agendas would be posted, and citizens could testify at council meetings from offsite computers. Recreation Department schedules would be available on the network, and parents could sign their children up for sports teams online. Parents could also communicate with teachers. Businesspeople who require city permits and licenses could apply for them via the Cyber City Network.
About a third of Cyber City's 45,000 residents own computers equipped with modems, which would allow them to log on to the network from their homes. The city has promised to provide 10 additional computers at elementary schools, senior centers, and libraries for those who do not have ready access at home. You have been asked to testify at City Council about the ethical implications of the Cyber City Network. Will you urge the members to vote yes or no?
The City Council of Cyber City, USA, is considering the implementation of the Cyber City Network—a service that would offer residents access to various municipal and school services from their home computers. The network would enable people to perform tasks like checking job listings, applying for building permits, interacting with the police department, accessing school assignments, and signing up for sports teams, among other services.
The primary issue is the ethical implications of implementing this network. While a significant portion of the population owns computers with internet access, there are concerns about security and potential network vulnerabilities. If the network were to be attacked or compromised, it could lead to severe consequences, including loss of records, chaos, and potential harm to residents.
In evaluating this proposal, ethical theories can help guide the decision-making process. Consequentialism suggests that the benefits of the Cyber City Network, such as improved communication and efficiency, would be valuable for residents and the city. However, the long-term risk of potential network attacks and the impact on people's lives must also be considered.
Rights theory indicates that as long as the proposal aligns with moral principles, it is ethically justifiable. However, the potential security risks and lack of preparation to handle network attacks may raise ethical concerns. Duty theory suggests that it is my responsibility to report and address potential issues and protect the city and its residents from future harm.
As a proponent of care theory, I deeply care about the city and its people. Therefore, it is essential to take necessary precautions and safeguards before implementing the Cyber City Network to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
During my testimony at the City Council, I would highlight the importance of addressing potential security vulnerabilities and the need for thorough planning before the network goes live. I would request the council to conduct a comprehensive security assessment and implement necessary encryption and protection measures to safeguard against potential attacks.
Moreover, I would emphasize the significance of backing up essential records and data in an offline, secure server to prevent data loss in case of an emergency. Additionally, I would call for a contingency plan to handle any network attacks and ensure a quick recovery process to minimize disruptions to the city's services and residents.
Drawing parallels to the video game Watch Dogs, I would use it as an extreme example to illustrate the potential risks of having too many interconnected elements and the potential for hackers to exploit the network for malicious purposes. Although an extreme example, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of comprehensive security measures.
Ultimately, I would urge the council to delay the implementation of the Cyber City Network until all the necessary security measures are in place and all potential risks are adequately addressed. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the city and its residents should be the top priority as we strive to build a connected and efficient cyber city for the future.
While cyber security is undoubtedly a significant technical concern, the central moral issue in this case goes beyond that.
The critical aspect at hand revolves around "distributive justice." Currently, only one-third of the city's residents can truly benefit from the Cyber City Network, as they possess computers and modems. Despite promises of ten additional computers at various locations, this seems insufficient to address the needs of the remaining two-thirds of the population. The city's taxpayers will bear the cost of this initiative, making it an ethical question of fairness and justice. The City Council has a responsibility to ensure justice is upheld in their decisions.
Some may argue that those without access won't be severely harmed, but the truth is that this decision perpetuates existing inequalities. The one-third of residents who can afford computers and internet services already enjoys advantages over the other two-thirds. Implementing the network would only further widen this gap, disadvantaging the majority even more. Essentially, this kind of decision entrenches structural disadvantages in various aspects, such as the economy, government, and education. Unfortunately, we often fail to notice this because we tend to focus solely on the benefits without considering the unequal distribution among the community's members
The best articles, links, and news delivered once a week to your inbox.