Ford Pinto Case
Ford Pinto Case
John Fraughton Jr.
Taylor Gray
Brenda Greenwell
Christopher Macintyre
Leanne Marks
University of Phoenix
MGT 216
March 17, 2010
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Recommended Solutions and Supporting Information to the Ford Pinto Case 3
Traffic Safety and Accident Data 4
Ethical Opinion 5
Influences from External Social Pressures 5
Case Examined with the Period Eye 6
Conclusion 8
References 9
Introduction
Very few 20 to 30 year olds know of the Ford Pinto Supreme Court case; however, most are likely familiar with the more recent “Bridgestone/Firestone scandal affecting scores of tires installed on new Ford Explorer vehicles. Additionally, Ford experienced significant safety concerns on the full size Crown Victoria Police cruisers, for yes, ruptured fuel tanks” (Corporatenarc, 2010). Scandals and Ford Motor Company are becoming synonymous terms for many car buyers, although Ford continues to clear themselves of these unethical issues through prolific counsel and stiff political lobbying. Whereas Ford remains in business, many lives have been lost as a consequence to Ford’s unethical and irresponsible behavior, defining Ford’s lack of respect for customers and human life. Ford has been marginally successful throughout the years, but unfortunately for Ford, Forbes Magazine has labeled the Ford Pinto as one of the “worst cars ever” (Lienert, 2004).
Recommended Solutions and
Supporting Information to the Ford Pinto Case
Ford prevailed on suits by using its size and power to develop a compelling argument to the Supreme Court as well as Congressional Leaders, further supporting their position by encouraging and lobbying for stricter safety requirement on automobiles. Without question, Ford understood that the Pinto was an unsafe car though continued production with total disregard to human life. Determining whether Ford’s actions are ethical or unethical is seen through corporate leadership and
John Fraughton Jr.
Taylor Gray
Brenda Greenwell
Christopher Macintyre
Leanne Marks
University of Phoenix
MGT 216
March 17, 2010
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Recommended Solutions and Supporting Information to the Ford Pinto Case 3
Traffic Safety and Accident Data 4
Ethical Opinion 5
Influences from External Social Pressures 5
Case Examined with the Period Eye 6
Conclusion 8
References 9
Introduction
Very few 20 to 30 year olds know of the Ford Pinto Supreme Court case; however, most are likely familiar with the more recent “Bridgestone/Firestone scandal affecting scores of tires installed on new Ford Explorer vehicles. Additionally, Ford experienced significant safety concerns on the full size Crown Victoria Police cruisers, for yes, ruptured fuel tanks” (Corporatenarc, 2010). Scandals and Ford Motor Company are becoming synonymous terms for many car buyers, although Ford continues to clear themselves of these unethical issues through prolific counsel and stiff political lobbying. Whereas Ford remains in business, many lives have been lost as a consequence to Ford’s unethical and irresponsible behavior, defining Ford’s lack of respect for customers and human life. Ford has been marginally successful throughout the years, but unfortunately for Ford, Forbes Magazine has labeled the Ford Pinto as one of the “worst cars ever” (Lienert, 2004).
Recommended Solutions and
Supporting Information to the Ford Pinto Case
Ford prevailed on suits by using its size and power to develop a compelling argument to the Supreme Court as well as Congressional Leaders, further supporting their position by encouraging and lobbying for stricter safety requirement on automobiles. Without question, Ford understood that the Pinto was an unsafe car though continued production with total disregard to human life. Determining whether Ford’s actions are ethical or unethical is seen through corporate leadership and
References: Corporatenarc. (2010). Ford Pinto scandal. Retrieved from http://www.corporatenarc.com/fordpintoscandal.php DeGeorge, R. T. (2005). Business ethics (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Lienert, D. (2004). The worst cars of all time. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/2004/01/26/cx_dl_0126feat.html Marco, (2009). 10 Most Dangerous Jobs. The Safety Blog. Retrieved from http://www.safetyservicescompany.com/blog/10-most-dangerous-jobs National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. (2010). Overall traffic fatalities reach record low. Retrieved from http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.f2217bee37fb302f6d7c121046108a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_viewID=detail_view&itemID=9a5070ff7fc22210VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&pressReleaseYearSelect=2009 Newton-Ford. (2008). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Business Ethics and Society, Tenth Edition. The McGraw-Hill Companies.