Management in practice: Ethical Dilemma

What would you do?

1. Talk to the manufacturing vice president and emphasize the responsibility Chem-Tech has as an industry leader to set an example. Present her with a recommendation that Chem-Tech participate in voluntary pollution reduction as a marketing tool, positioning itself as the environmentally friendly choice.
2. Mind your own business and do your job. The company is not breaking any laws, and if Chem-Tech’s economic situation does not improve, a lot of people will be thrown out of work.
3. Call the local environmental advocacy group and get it to stage a protest of the company.

Solution: I would go with the first option that is I would reach out to the manufacturing vice president and emphasize the responsibility Chem-Tech has as an industry. It is considered to be a financial expense to participate in voluntary programs by the industry. The companies may believe that there is no return on the money they spent on voluntary work that they do. I would research the topic of industries and put forward the advantages of the social responsibilities that different companies fulfill. It is called Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR which is the actions of the industry that are aimed at contributing back to the community for social welfare (McWilliams, 2000).

I would plan a meeting with the manufacturing vice president and present the following points to convince him/her to participate in voluntary work that could also act as an advertisement tool.

1. If Chem-Tech is involved in social activities that benefit the community and pose its positive face then it would be able to attract employees easily.
2. When the staff is convinced that the company they are working for is not destroying the environment but earning profits and also giving back to the society, they would be motivated to stay and work hence better retention of employees.
3. If the company is following all the business ethics, it would be able to abide by the rules and regulations and won’t have legal issues to face.
4. If the companies is involved in voluntary work, it would be able to develop good relations with the local communities and would be able to run its business operations smoothly.
5. As an industry Chem-Tech must be able to follow business ethics which will help it to prevent any sudden problems and stay at the top and be more competitive.
6. Voluntary work and CSR has its own tax benefits.

Above are some of the examples that following business ethics and understanding the responsibility as an industry can help in getting a good reputation and become able to prevent legal issues with the authorities. Helping communities can help in winning their trust as a business. When people in general have a good view of the business operations of a company, they would like to do business with it.

The other two options are not in the best interest of me or the company. For example if I let things happen the way they are and mind my own business, the business could potentially get in trouble. On the other hand if I contact the local authorities, I would risk my own reputation and could end up in trouble with Chem-Tech. This could call for a legal battle as well.