Written Assignment Unit 7
MBA Business Administration
University of the People
BUS 5115-Business Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility
The relevant facts of the case
The case study is about Steven, the Assistant Department manager, and his new supervisor,
Kristin.
Steven has worked in this firm for several years after finishing his degree and developed the
skills required to survive in a bureaucratic organization. However, his routine was disturbed by
Kristin, the new manager of accounts payable, who implements a no-nonsense management
style. She is strict and has a proven track record of enhancing the efficiency of operations. She is
very successful with her work and plans to repeat that in this department.
During the welcoming ceremony for her, she met with Steven who informed her that he has
noticed that people are being promoted because of their relationship with their boss and not of
their performance. Kristin promised him that she would take the necessary steps to eliminate this
type of discrimination. The next day Steven was called into Kristina's office and she instructed
him to tell her which managers was he referring to previously and inform her if similar incidents
happen. She was very direct and didn't leave any room for him to compromise.
Ethical Issues
We can see several ethical issues raised in this case study. The first is Steven has been instructed
to point out which manager conducted unethically while recommending promotion. This will
help Kristin deal with the situation promptly however Steven may lose the trust his coworkers
have in him. Additionally, it might be seen as action based on envy because he didn't get
promoted. The ethical issue here is that employees should be loyal to the organization and its
ethical standards at all times. If a coworker is breaking the firm's procedure they should make
them accountable.
To avoid that he could lie to her however he would lose Kristin's trust and he could be seen as
part of the problem. His reputation and image will be on the line based on the choice he makes.
MBA Business Administration
University of the People
BUS 5115-Business Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility
The relevant facts of the case
The case study is about Steven, the Assistant Department manager, and his new supervisor,
Kristin.
Steven has worked in this firm for several years after finishing his degree and developed the
skills required to survive in a bureaucratic organization. However, his routine was disturbed by
Kristin, the new manager of accounts payable, who implements a no-nonsense management
style. She is strict and has a proven track record of enhancing the efficiency of operations. She is
very successful with her work and plans to repeat that in this department.
During the welcoming ceremony for her, she met with Steven who informed her that he has
noticed that people are being promoted because of their relationship with their boss and not of
their performance. Kristin promised him that she would take the necessary steps to eliminate this
type of discrimination. The next day Steven was called into Kristina's office and she instructed
him to tell her which managers was he referring to previously and inform her if similar incidents
happen. She was very direct and didn't leave any room for him to compromise.
Ethical Issues
We can see several ethical issues raised in this case study. The first is Steven has been instructed
to point out which manager conducted unethically while recommending promotion. This will
help Kristin deal with the situation promptly however Steven may lose the trust his coworkers
have in him. Additionally, it might be seen as action based on envy because he didn't get
promoted. The ethical issue here is that employees should be loyal to the organization and its
ethical standards at all times. If a coworker is breaking the firm's procedure they should make
them accountable.
To avoid that he could lie to her however he would lose Kristin's trust and he could be seen as
part of the problem. His reputation and image will be on the line based on the choice he makes.
