Consider the ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, rights ethics, and
ID: 468140 • Letter: C
Question
Consider the ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, rights ethics, and virtue ethics. Should Dan Blow the Whistle? Dan Goldberg works as a cost accountant in the New York City headquarters of the Pear Tree Plastic Corporation. He had a degree from a well-known business school, and his credentials and experience made him a very desirable employee. His main task is to examine and assess the production cost figures for the various plastic factories the PTP has in North America. Dan is not happy with the corporate ethos of PTP, which he thinks focuses only on the bottom line and the related goal of creating value for shareholders. His boss, Sheila Dunsworth, PTP’s vice-president for production, is part of the problem. It seems she will go to almost any lengths to have her department look good to the CEO and board of directors. In the past, she has questioned Dan’s judgment regarding the assignment of costs, and ordered him to show production cost figures in a more positive light. Recently, Dan examined the production cost figures for PTP’s factory in Thornbrook, Ontario. Sheila has always pointed to the Thornbrook factory as an example for PTP’s other factories to emulate. PTP recently awarded a bonus to the boss of the Thornbrook factory for his excellent performance. Dan noticed that the Thornbrook factory’s costs for disposal of a mercury compound used in the manufacturing process were way below the figures for other PTP factories. It was this cost saving, more than any other factor, which contributed to the factory’s success. He also noticed that the Thornbrook plant spent much less on the catalytic compound used in the factory’ssmokestack scrubbers than did any other of PTP’s plants. Shocked, Dan realized what was going on. The Thornbrook plant was running without its scrubbers working to remove the mercury compound properly. Dan looked on Google maps and saw that the plant was located right in the centre of Thornbrook. The PTP plant was exposing ten thousand local residents to a high risk of mercury poisoning. Luckily, Thornbrook is way out in the middle of nowhere, so the emissions were affecting no one else. Over time, however, the mercury emissions would likely end up in the rivers, with negative implications for the health of the fish in the nearby water system. PTP Co. is the only major employer in Thornbrook, and most of the residents either work at the plant, or provide services for people who do. If the plant were to close, the workers would have to leave, as would the teachers, nurses, and shopkeepers. No one would want to buy their houses, which would then be worth almost nothing. Dan’s first thought was to tell Sheila. His second thought was that Sheila would not want to hear about the problem. She would just give the Thornbrook assignment to one of the other cost analysts who was more of a team player than Dan was, and PTP would do nothing about the problem. His third thought was to threaten to resign unless Sheila ordered the Thornbrook plant to use its scrubbers, but that threat would likely not sway Sheila. Dan’s fourth thought was to tip off the environmental authorities in Ontario. He could do this anonymously, but an anonymous letter would not have the same impact that a signed letter would. What should Dan do?
Explanation / Answer
Ideally Dan should blow the whistle. As per the ethical theory of utilitarianism what constitutes a right action depends on the outcome and consequences of selecting an action. Interest of others should be taken into account while making a decision and one's own interest should be overlooked. Now, if Dan decides not to act on the matter he would be exposing the tens of thousands of residents of Thornbrook to the risk of mercury poisoning. This could cause grave health issues in the long run for the employees and the residents. If Dan ignores the issue thinking that he is thus helping people who provide services to the workers to lead a sustainable life. This is because in the long run the health of the workers will be compromised and they will not be in a position to work. This will also negatively affect the service providers in Thornbrook.
Ethical theory of deontology: As per this theory, the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined on the basis of its adherence to duties and rules. The Thornbrook plant is clearly not adhering to the rules. The mercury compound was not being removed properly as required by the rules. This was being done to shore up the profits. It is the duty of Dan as an employee of PTP to unveil this wrong practice. Thus the action being undertaken in PTP's Thornbrook plant is not ethical and Dan should expose it.
Right ethics: As per the theory of right based ethics, human beings are entitled to few rights. A human being has a right to lead a healthy life. This right is being denied to the worker's of Thornbrook plant as they are being exposed to mercury poisoning.
Virtue ethics: As per the theory of virtue ethics the emphasis should be on moral character and virtues when making a decision. Dan would help the workers in the long run and protect their health from being poisoned. Thus as per the theory of virtue ethics Dan should be benevolent and expose this issue.
Thus, Dan should blow the whistle.