Ethical Dilemma - Case Study Example

Business ethics refers to the values, principles and standards that operate within a company and they try to distinguish between business practice that is morally good from bad (Rossouw 2004). However, certain incidences in business arise where people often find it difficult to make a distinction between actions that should be considered as right or wrong (Hiti, 1999). This is an ethical dilemma when people look at one thing and fail to agree if it is right or wrong. The paper discusses different scenarios to illustrate the ethical dilemma facing business.

In the first scenario, Wal-Mart should not have closed the shop as a result of a unionised workforce. The company should not only be concerned about its self serving interests but it should also cater for the interests of the employers who have a right to be represented. The shop also caters for the needs of the customers who have also been affected by the closure of the shop. Therefore, it is important for the shop to take into consideration the needs and interests of the stakeholders at large rather than focusing on its interests alone.

In the second scenario, the CEO of Levi Straus should not accept the Wal-Mart deal. Basically, business values should never be compromised for financial gain (Rossouw, 2004). Offering low cost jeans would be a compromise in terms of quality and this would short change the customers. Therefore, this deal should never be implemented. In the third scenario, I think Wal-Mart should not be allowed in California as a result of the fact that its presence will impact negatively on the welfare of the other residents in the area.

The right course of action that should be taken is that which benefits the majority of people. In this case, this deal does not benefit the majority of the other people hence it should not be implemented. References Hiti, S. 1999. Fundamentalism and family values inside corporations: Visions of ethical business. Financial times, Prentice Hall in association with Price Water House Coopers. Rossouw D. (2004). Business Ethics: 3rd Edition. Oxford. CT.