Examples of ethical dilemmas in business situations.
Respond as though being consulted before the decision.
What do you think of it?
A- legality B- Moral viewpoint C- Long term solution strategy
1. You are the general manager of a regional chemical company. On the course of producing your bulk chemicals, large amounts of particles and smoke are being emitted through your plant's smokestack. The level of pollutants is below current EPA regulations, and you are violating no laws, but neighborhood groups are complaining about minor health problems caused by the smoke. After investigating numerous alternatives, you find the most effective solution woul;d be to install a "scrubber" system which will remove 90 percent of the pollutants and ash. Cost: $1 million. Do you install the system?
a) No laws being violated now…
b) One thing to consider here is the EPA’s standards. Who set them and how were those standards created? Are they set to measure the absolute limit the environment can handle? The answer is: if the community is complaining, then adverse effects are being given off by your company now, that are traceable back to your company. Bad press in the making. Consider is the feedback you are getting from the community, be ahead of the curve, and make the decision after getting a good nights sleep.
c) YES. You install the system. This is excellent long term for the company and community. Listen to the community surrounding the plant. Keeping a company clean and up to date is the best preventative measure both socially and economically. If it pains one to consider the price, think of it as a beneficial investment in the future. And see if you can involve the groups complaining in the solution! Easy way to save.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
