ETHC 301 Business Ethics Case Studies (part 1)
ETHC 301
Business Ethics Case Studies (part 1)
Instructor: Dr. Rhada Boujlil
Student Name: ……………………………..
Read the following two cases and fully answer the questions based on your understanding.
- Case Study: Employee Absence
Amani, an employee of Arabia Nights Gallery, was warned about her excessive absenteeism several times, both verbally and in writing. The written warning included notice that “further violations will result in disciplinary actions,” including suspension or discharge.
A short time after the written warning was issued, Amani called work to say she was not going to be in because her babysitter had called in sick and she had to stay home and care for her young child. Amani’s supervisor, Asmaa, told her that she had already exceeded the allowed number of absences and warned that if she did not report to work, she could be suspended. When Amani did not report for her shift, Asmaa suspended her for fifteen days.
In a subsequent hearing, Amani argued that it was not her fault that the babysitter had canceled, and protested that she had no other choice but to stay home. Asmaa pointed out that Amani had not made a good faith effort to find an alternate babysitter, nor had she tried to swap shifts with a co-worker. Furthermore, Asmaa said that the lack of a babysitter was not a justifiable excuse for being absent.
Questions:
Was the suspension fair?
Did Asmaa act responsibly? Was she fair in her actions?
Should Amani be fired? Why or why not?
- Case Study: Purchasing Ethics
Rami accepted a position at Al Oruba University and he and his family made a permanent move. Soon, Rami was promoted to Administrative Vice President, overseeing the purchasing department of the University. His oldest son, Sami, got a good job in educational equipment sales at Al Faleh Computer Corporation in Riyadh.
As Vice President, Rami quickly saw the need for 4 to 5 computers in his office. Although the university had a bidding policy, Rami purchased Al Faleh Corporation’s computers direct from Sami for about 5000 SAR each, when IBM clones were selling for around 3000 SAR and the clone had more promising features than the one’s sold at Al Faleh. Sami handled the sale and received a healthy commission on the sale. If the purchase had gone through the normal bidding process, the Al Faleh’s models would not have been selected.
Questions:
Since Rami was over the purchasing department and had final decision authority, should purchasing have gone through the normal bidding routine?
Is it acceptable for a V.P. to bypass the normal routine to do business with a family member?
Was Rami’s decision not to request bids an ethical choice?
Should Sami have made the sale? Received a commission?
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"
