Question

Jeff, the Director of Business Development, promised a promotion to Anne, his Assistant Regional Director, to become Regional Director when the old Regional Director was to leave her post in two weeks for another position outside the company. Jeff did not clear this decision with his boss Fred, the Vice President of Marketing before he made the promise to Anne. Jeff thought that it was within his authority to offer the position to Anne without first clearing it with Fred, or consulting human resources. The company was a fairly large developer of residential properties operating in 12 states in the southern United States. Thus, its human resources department was professionalized and balked at the arbitrariness of Jeff’s promise to appoint a person in a job without a fair and open hiring process, citing EEOC laws, and the backlash of regulatory consequences of such behavior. The brakes were put on the entire hiring process, and Anne did not get the job. An outside hire (Mary) eventually received the position. Anne quit immediately! Several projects had to be put on hold for several months until Mary could be brought up to speed, costing thousands of dollars. NO PARTICULAR BEHAVIORAL PATTERN

1. What ethical theory can best explain this moral problem?
2. Did Jeff violate an ethical standard or was he truly ignorant of the hiring process?
3. Should Jeff be blamed for Anne’s resignation?
4. Should there be any consequence or punishment for Jeff?
5. Can Jeff’s promise to Anne be defended ethically?

Answer 1

What ethical theory can best explain this moral problem?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that can explain this moral problem. Because of its that theory in which a person predict the consequences of his actions.

Act utilitarianism is a type of utilitarianism in which a person in giving benefit to the person regardless of personal feelings or societal constraints such as laws. That has done by Jeff to Anne.

Did Jeff violate an ethical standard or was he truly ignorant of the hiring process?

Jeff has truly ignorant the hiring process. He thought that it was within his authority to offer the position to Anne without first clearing it with Fred, or consulting human resources.

Should Jeff be blamed for Anne’s resignation?

Yes, Jeff is blamed for Anne’s resignation. Without consulting with anyone he gives a word to Anne which will result in the registration of Anne. So Jeff is responsible for her resignation.

Should there be any consequence or punishment for Jeff?

Yes, Company has to give punishment to the jeff for giving false promises to the employee. He was in a higher position in the company. so he must know the value of his words.

Can Jeff’s promise to Anne be defended ethically?

No, Jeff’s promise to Anne cant be defended ethically. He can defend himself by saying that he does not give anything to Anne in writing. But ethically he can't defend himself. Because he gives someone hope, commitment, motivation which he cants deny as  per the moral standards.