Week 1
Week 1 Homework Assignment
Are Layoffs Unethical? —Aaron Feuerstein and Malden Mills
1. Aaron Feuerstein became something of an overnight national hero by protecting his workers. Feuerstein said, “It was the right thing to do and there’s a moral imperative to do it, irrespective of the consequences. a. Was Feuerstein employing utilitarian or formalist reasoning? Explain.
Answer: I believe he is a formalist because “the right thing to do and there’s a moral imperative to do it, irrespective of the consequences.” (McAdams, 69) The definition of formalist is emphasis on outward appearance. He wants to have the appearance of a full staff onboard rather then the utilitarian being that he wants the employee to be useful for him.
2. Commenting on Feuerstein’s approach to his employees’ needs, Wharton School professor Michael Useem said, “The thinking is: employees can be seen as an ultimate competitive advantage. If you treat them well, they’ll pay you back in really hard work later on.”
a. Was Useem expressing formalist or utilitarian reasoning?
Answer: I believe that Professor Michael Useem is a utilitarian. The statement above defines utilitarian. The professor believes that the employees will work harder if they get paid more, which does make sense. I would love to work for a company that pays for your skills and hard work.
9. Should American companies refuse to do business in countries that:
a. Do not practice democracy?
b. Routinely practice discrimination?
c. Tolerate or even encourage the abuse of children? Explain. I believe that American companies should refuse to work with these options above because it does not hold what American stands for. American has fought for our freedom and for companies that work with countries that follow these practices should not be apart of American companies. Yes some companies outsource because of cheaper labor costs, but we should have these companies keep the work within the American
Are Layoffs Unethical? —Aaron Feuerstein and Malden Mills
1. Aaron Feuerstein became something of an overnight national hero by protecting his workers. Feuerstein said, “It was the right thing to do and there’s a moral imperative to do it, irrespective of the consequences. a. Was Feuerstein employing utilitarian or formalist reasoning? Explain.
Answer: I believe he is a formalist because “the right thing to do and there’s a moral imperative to do it, irrespective of the consequences.” (McAdams, 69) The definition of formalist is emphasis on outward appearance. He wants to have the appearance of a full staff onboard rather then the utilitarian being that he wants the employee to be useful for him.
2. Commenting on Feuerstein’s approach to his employees’ needs, Wharton School professor Michael Useem said, “The thinking is: employees can be seen as an ultimate competitive advantage. If you treat them well, they’ll pay you back in really hard work later on.”
a. Was Useem expressing formalist or utilitarian reasoning?
Answer: I believe that Professor Michael Useem is a utilitarian. The statement above defines utilitarian. The professor believes that the employees will work harder if they get paid more, which does make sense. I would love to work for a company that pays for your skills and hard work.
9. Should American companies refuse to do business in countries that:
a. Do not practice democracy?
b. Routinely practice discrimination?
c. Tolerate or even encourage the abuse of children? Explain. I believe that American companies should refuse to work with these options above because it does not hold what American stands for. American has fought for our freedom and for companies that work with countries that follow these practices should not be apart of American companies. Yes some companies outsource because of cheaper labor costs, but we should have these companies keep the work within the American