Question

Read the following ethical case to answer the below question.

David works as process supervisor at an industrial plant company. In his company, he is known by all his colleagues and superiors as an honest worker whose decisions are always guided by ethical values. Recently, David came to know that due to the irresponsible disposal of company waste, the local groundwater has been contaminated. Because of this, a large number of people living in close proximity to the company have been suffering from severe diseases. However, in spite of knowing this, David does not take any action.

1. Analyze and discuss David behavior based on the six ethical structure factors. (60 points)

Answer 1

Based on the analysis of the situation we can draw the conclusion that among the six ethical structure factors the Individual factors such as personal value system, personal life goals, morals, and Knowledge are the responsible for David's this sort of behavior wherein his behavior by the society can be considered as unethical as being the member of the society he is also part of the society and has duty and responsibility to protect the society. David is well aware of the situation and reason as well as the people responsible for this unethical act but still, David does not take any action because his individual factors such as knowledge, personal goal, morality, and values are dominating on him and not allowing him to take the ethical decision and inform the authorities. He may be afraid of the consequences which might affect his personal well being and the personal career and life goals therefore he has decided not to tell anything about this and neither raise any voice in the organization. The cultural factors and norms are the second factor that has resulted in the display of such behavior by David as he understands the culture of his organization and it not having any confidence in the management of the organization that if he raises this issue then he will remain unaffected.