What Is Your Decision?

Instructions

Mark the preferred decision for each of the four incidents and reply to the two questions that follow each incident. This exercise may also be undertaken in a small group. The group members should make their choices individually and then discuss them with each other. They should attempt to reach a consensus on the preferred decision for each incident and the responses to the questions

Ethical Incidents:

1. Barbara is a sales representative for Global Fashions Inc. One of her best customers, George, places a large order for linen jackets for the coming spring season. Barbara knows that Global has had production and delivery problems with these jackets. She also knows that George's order will assure her year-end bonus. Should she:

_____ A Take the order. There's no guarantee that Global won't meet the deadline, and George is sophisticated enough to know that sometimes problems happen in manufacturing.

_____ B Warn George of the risk and put the sale at risk before taking the order, if George still wants to place it

_____ C Refuse the order, since she's likely to disappoint a long-time customer by promising something that may not happen.

Questions:

1. What ethical principle or principles reflect your decisions?

2. How would you assess the ethical intensity in this situation?