Example: Situation

Don Sutton applied for a payroll clerk job with Search Services, a market research firm. To improve his chances in getting the job, he exaggerated his work experience on his rsum. Based on this rsum, Don was hired. After one year, he received above-average ratings during his annual performance review. Shortly thereafter, his boss met Dons former supervisor and learned the truth.

Instructions

Use the three-step checklist to help determine whether or not Dons action demonstrated ethical behavior. (Suggested answers are provided here.)

1. Is the action illegal? No. Overstating qualifications is not illegal, but the employer could terminate your employment.

2. Does the action violate company or professional standards? No. Don was neither an employee of the company nor a member of any profession.

3. Who is affected, and how, by the action? Don: He obtained employment, but now he could be terminated. If retained, he could have difficulty being promoted. Other applicants: More highly qualified applicants lost an opportunity for employment. Search Services: Managers may lose trust in employees.

Based on the above analysis, Dons actions were unethical.

Situation 5 - answers situation 5&6

Along with many benefits, technology also presents us with new temptations. Technology allows us to access information for many legitimate reasons, but it can also create ethical dilemmas. What do you think about the situations presented below?

Instructions

Use the three-step checklist to determine whether or not each of the following situations demonstrates ethical behavior.

1.Is the action illegal?

2.Does the action violate company or professional standards?

3. Who is affected, and how, by the action?

Situation 6

Julie Powers collects overdue accounts for a large credit card company. She has access to records of all transactions for any customer. Julie sometimes looks up the records of famous people. She checks to see where they use their credit cards and how much money they spend. She sometimes tells her friends about the buying habits of entertainers and politicians.

1.Is the action illegal?

2.Does the action violate company or professional standards?

3.Who is affected, and how, by the action?