Demand for Vivid's computers has been explosive. Pacific Coastal has been operating at full capacity for some time now. Mandating substantial overtime or extended workweeks would violate local employment laws, resulting in enormous fines. Thus, Vivid turned its focus on Atlantic Ridge to ramp up production. The components manufacturer extended the workweek from five to seven days, added a third work shift, and instituted mandatory overtime at the regular pay rate, boosting each worker's weekly hours from 40 to 60. These changes have been in effect for nearly 18 months, which is enabling Vivid to keep up with demand.

Since the rule changes, more than half of the Atlantic Ridge workforce has been exhibiting telltale signs of undue stress. Sometimes, workers cope by taking time off from work. However, company managers routinely threaten to fire workers who take time off. In a three-month period, five workers experienced fatal heart attacks while on the job and three committed suicide at their work stations. There were no such catastrophic events prior to the work rule changes.

Marta O'Leary, Atlantic Ridge's operations manager, reported the unsustainable pace to Vivid's corporate office on multiple occasions, and she explained that the tragic events were undoubtedly the result of longer work hours. Bradley Fontaine, Vivid's vice president of worldwide operations, was not sympathetic to these concerns. Instead, he focused on the Atlantic Ridge plant's stellar productivity. Bradley also offered Marta a substantial salary increase and generous incentive pay opportunities tied to the plant's continued high productivity levels. Marta was stunned by Bradley's response to the situation.

14-15. What would you do?

14-16. What factor(s) in this ethics dilemma might influence a person to make a less than ethical decision?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

In this situation addressing the ethical dilemma requires prioritizing employee wellbeing over ... View the full answer