Business Ethics- USAF Uniform Case Study
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1) Describe an ethical problem you have confronted in a business situation;
2) Describe the deontological implications of the ethical problem you have described;
3) If the problem was resolved: a) Tell me how the problem was resolved; b) Whether you agree with how the problem was resolved; and c) Whether the problem was resolved consistent with the principles of deontological ethics (see *** italicized below).
4) If the problem has not yet been resolved: a) Tell me how you would resolve it; and b) Whether your resolution would be consistent with deontological ethics (see *** italicized below).
Expectations:
1) Your SLP will be graded on your ability to accurately state the deontological implications of the business ethics problem you have identified, and to what extent the resolution of the problem is consistent with deontological ethics. *** Remember that there are no right or wrong answers here - as you will learn, deontology is not the only way to view a business ethics problem, but you must use sound logic in your assessment of the problem.
2) Your SLP will be graded on the extent to which you adhere to the TUI Well-Written Paper guidelines. Please be sure that your paper is formatted properly, and that you follow all guidelines - e.g., appropriate use of headings, margins, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double-spacing, etc.
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Solution Summary
Deontological and Utilitarian ethics are illustrated by a case study in US Air Force uniform policy. 4 page, APA format with references.
Solution Preview
Hello, please find the attachment for an example of Deontological vs. Utilitarian ethics. While I can't provide a specific example that you may have encountered in your specific business situation, I hope the attached solution illustrates the thought process.
A strict dress code represents a simple method to explore moral decision-making in the
workplace. As far as dress codes go, there are not many stricter than in the military. So when
those dress codes change, they generate a more intense reaction than in the average workplace.
For example, General Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, recently changed the uniform
policy of the United States Air Force (USAF). "The (dress) blue uniform will be the duty
uniform worn every Monday by Air Force personnel in appropriate career fields and
environments," said General Schwartz in an offical memorandum from September 2008*. This
change took effect 8 September 2008?reversing a policy of the utility uniform as primary
dress1. While seemingly a simple and straightforward decision, when making policy for an
organization as large as the USAF, moral considerations must be weighed.
Utilitarian consideration? the "greatest good" tally? makes up the first half of any
normative ethical decision making process. Building a picture of cost versus benefit begins with
perspective. First, consider the individual employee, in this case airman. At the smallest
perspective, wearing dress blues, even one day a week, exacts a heavy cost without adding any
benefit. The dress blue uniform must be "neat, clean, pressed, buttoned, and properly
maintained2." Requiring the uniform to be pressed adds a negative time cost to the individual that
is not applied when wearing the duty-uniform. Additionally, the duty uniform provides a positive
comfort benefit over the dress blues. This extends beyond simple physical comfort?the duty
uniform provides flexibility in the types of tasks the member is able to perform. (For example, a
pilot cannot fly most aircraft while wearing blues? polyester provides for poor fire protection).
Finally, the various badges and ribbons unique to the blue ...
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