Answer to Question #197608 in Philosophy for Elha

Question

Explain the best course of action to take using at least 2 major ethical theories (Choose from Consequentialism, Virtue Ethics and Deontology)

Case Study: A core group of the company has just returned to work after taking special leave to care of his elderly mother who was diagnosed with covid19. For financial reasons he needs to work full time. He has been having difficulties with his mother's home care arrangements, causing him to miss a number of team meetings. He is very competent in his work but lately he is distracted and this is putting pressure on him and his overworked colleagues. You are his manager and you are aware that the flow of work is coming under pressure. Some of his co-workers are also making side comments about him possibly spreading the covid 19 virus and undermine him at every opportunity, putting him under greater stress.

How should you proceed so as not to discredit him, or your profession and at the same time maintaining integrity and confidentiality in your action?

Answer 1

Consequentialism explains whether an action did should be classified as wrong or right. For example, society says lie is wrong but consequentialism says lying is only right if it will save someone's life.

Virtue ethics looks at the virtue and the moral character of a person doing action but it ignores the action being done by the person. Therefore, a good person will live according to the virtue and moral character in the person.

For the employee who undergoing covid19 pressure and criticism, as a manager, I will reshuffle him with another employee who is not facing such pressure. I will hold a meeting with everyone to give protection to the one who is facing pressure. I will also allow him to have breaks within working hours to allow him to care for his sick mother and still allow him to work full time. All these things I will do following that he is a faithful and hardworking employee. In addition, I will give a lie to the directors in order the employee to be promoted and for him to receive a salary increment.