The Ethical Decision$-$Making Framework

Consider the ethical decision$-$making framework outlined in the chapter. Andrew is the marketing manager at Pilgrim's, a fast food chain, and he is exploring the idea of paying junior high and high schools a fee in order to sell Pilgrim's fast food on campus during lunch. There are eight steps identified in this process that correspond to the various steps that a marketer passes through when making a major decision such as this one. It is important that you understand the framework and can apply specific actions to be taken at each step in the process.

Ethics are moral standards expected by a society. Marketers should clearly understand the norms and values expected of them and act in a way that reflects their company, their profession, and themselves in a positive, ethical light. Unethical marketing practices can harm both customers and society as a whole. Poor ethical decisions have led to the collapse of numerous global firms over the past decade. It is important that organizations view the marketing mix elements and potential strategies they can produce using an ethical foundation for decision making.

Match Andrew's decision$-$making process to the appropriate step in the ethical decision$-$making framework.

Following up on decision

Prices and nutritional information

Step $1$

Step $2$

Step $3$

Step $4$

School board meeting

High in calories and saturated fat

Prices and nutritional information

Determine the facts in an unbiased manner.

Identify the ethical issue at hand.

Identify the affected stakeholders.

Consider all available alternatives.