Case Analysis

Case of Critical Analysis

Approach to Ethical Decision Making

In my opinion the approach that best describes Marv Heimler’s turnaround strategy is making an ethical decision is utilitarian in nature. He has focused on the on the outcomes utility of his decision in terms of what is going to be the result of the steps he is going to take by removing some 1000 employees from their positions in the organization but still keeps most of the employees. He has done something what is best for the organization that he is serving. He has been hired to use his experience as a CEO to help Massengills Departmental store attract customers and make profits. Massengills is in a bad shape at the moment Marc joins it. He, as the new leader has full authority to lay off as many people as he can but he decides to make a utilitarian decision that is in the best interest of the store and the majority of the people working at the departmental store. He once mention this fact at a discussion with Claire Sparkes, his head of human resources that if he had not taken abrupt decisions, around 5000 people could have lost their jobs and Massendill’s would have collapsed.

Individual approach was not used as Marc was not only focused on what is there for him as a compensation only.

The staff that was laid off was not informed about the reasons they have been fired so we can argue that the moral approach was not in action.

In the case study it has been mentioned that new and old employees were fired alike suggesting a justice approach was not used.

Level of Moral Development

I would place Heimler at a post-conventional developmental level. He has the courage to make tough decisions knowing that there are a number of people that would think otherwise. He implemented his own plan and that worked well by turning a struggling organization to a profitable organization. He can think beyond his personal other individuals interests and make decisions that is in the serves the organization that he has been brought in to save from a financial collapse. He serves the needs of the organization but at the same time he saves the jobs of thousands by letting go around a thousand employees (González, 2002). He is able to decide on the base of his personal ethical principles.

Avoiding the problem faced

Marv Heimler could have avoided the problem that he is now facing by taking a few simple steps. He should have informed all the employs of the current condition of the organization and the reasons for the worsening conditions. Then appreciated what all the staff members have done over the years to serve the company. He should have provided the employs some time to that could have served as a notice and provided them with an opportunity to look for a new job.

If I were in Marv Heimler’s position, I would have proposed some compensation program based on the amount of time the employees have been working for the organization. I would have communicated to the employees that they will be contacted again once the company has been through the difficult times and turned around to be a profitable organization.