Puckett Ethical Dilemma

Introduction The most ethical decision for Richard Puckett to keep the Puckett Animal Hospital in business through changes in the minimum wage is to raise prices for more substantial net revenue. Then Richard should give staff a choice between smaller insurance bonuses or a 2% match for their 401k instead of a 3% match. Due to adjustments in legislation minimum wage is going from $8.50 to $16 an hour, making Richard no longer able to keep running his business under his current financials. Raising his prices is the only change that could yield enough revenue not to have to let go any employees. Customers are spending more money on pet healthcare than ever before. Einav, Finkelstein, and Gupta (2016) examined the relationships between healthcare
When talking with his salaried staff, Richard should start by coming in professional dress, standing tall, and speak with confidence. He should continue this into the conversation about adjustments happening at the Animal Hospital. It will be vital for him to explain his logic. They should also be informed about the shift in 401K or insurance bonuses may be temporary depending on how well the price increases go. As The leader, Richard should help facilitate a discussion about which option would be better for his staff changing the 401k match from 3% to 2% or decreasing their insurance bonuses. He should provide all pertinent information to staff. After listening to his salaried staff discuss their choices, Richard should make the final determination, and convey it to all staff. Once a decision is made, a meeting will take place with all staff to inform them of changes. In this session Richard should use more of his Ethos and Logos, because he is providing information, and giving direction. Pathos should be shown to ensure that no one gets upset by the information being shared. By providing logic and reasoning in a calm credible way, his staff will understand the information. At the end of the staff meeting, he should invite any staff with questions to meet with
Sherwin speaks to Tannenbaum's consulting type of leadership as one where the leader presents information to the group and encourages the group to provide feedback, so that the leader can make an informed decision (para. 5). In this way, Richard should give information about the upcoming changes in minimum wage and how it affects the Animal Hospital. Richard should then let salaried staff know what else is being done to relieve the financial strain. Richard can then introduce the two options for salaried employees, the reduction in 401k matching to 2%, or insurance bonuses. At this point, Richard can answer questions and foster discussion to gain information to make the best decision for his employees. When allowing employees to have a voice in their company’s decisions, employees will feel more involved and included in their company’s