Question

QUESTION 1

It is argued that utilitarianism is useful for in an organizational context because it gives us an objective perspective that is
not clouded by self-interest. It also encourages the decision – maker to consider all whom his or her decisions may affect.
Opposing arguments suggest that as we often do not know with certainty what the future consequences of our actions will
be, the value of adopting utilitarianism as an effective tool for ethical decision-making can be questioned. Construct an
argument defending which of these perspectives do you agree with and why or why not?

Answer 1

I agree that utilitarianism is useful for in an organizational context because it gives us an objective perspective that is
not clouded by self-interest. It also encourages the decision – maker to consider all whom his or her decisions may affect due to the following reasons-

1.Utilitarianism is a theory of ethics which distinguishes the outcome being right or wrong.This theory helps to maximize the happiness and well being of the people.

2.A decision is correct or right when it involves interest of all the people in the organisation and thus decision involving self interest are ethically wrong and thus, if this approach is established in the organisation while making decision it will have positive impact on the whole organisation.

3.Thus the decision-maker always analyses the impact of its decision to each level of organisation in order to have avoid conflicts and demotivation, hence he considers a decision which will lead to prosperity of its organisation along with its people.

I don't agree with- as we often do not know with certainty what the future consequences of our actions will
be, the value of adopting utilitarianism as an effective tool for ethical decision-making can be questioned due to the following reasons-

1. If the basic values or ethics of the organisation are well established and strong then whatever may be the outcome in future it will always abide by what is ethically right.

2.The decision-maker following utilitarianism concept will always consider ethics and corporate governance and then will take the decision considering such principles.