Morality

1. Present an argument in favor of retaining the new division that considers and incorporates the ethical conflicts that Mr. Weed is experiencing. After reading through the brief concerning Big John, The Lawn & Garden Doctor and its services I feel comfortable recommending that the business remain open for business. After reading through the court’s decision concerning the lawsuit that was brought against them; as well as reviewing the signed liability form from the customer Big John was not at fault for the unfortunate, accidental death of a bystander’s dog.

The events that transpired were not premeditated or purposeful by Big John or its employees and I believe the plaintiff in lawsuit simply was so lost for words that they felt they had a legal standing. Mr. and Mrs. Weed remain in full compliance with the law. My best argument when considering the retirement of the business is that if the Weed’s discontinue their service, it is only a matter of time until someone else picks it up. The case of the unhealthy hospital analysis it would serve my conscious more to know that I was doing the service under complete regulations; rather someone else that could be cutting corners in order to make a profit. Mr.

Weed is not emoting egoism by retaining the business division. Were he cutting corners in this service, I would need to retract my statement. However, I believe it is for the greater good that Mr. and Mrs. Weed continue their Lawn and Garden Doctor division. The company should expand it’s public awareness about the treatment by delivering pamphlets or simply knocking door to door in a neighborhood that they have treated. This will allow the patrons to understand the possible, though minimal, risks the treatment possesses and how to ensure that they are not putting themselves in danger by exposing themselves to the chemicals.

2. Present an argument in favor of eliminating or changing the new division, and make recommendations to improve overall company profits through means that will be acceptable to Mr. Weed. After reading through the brief concerning Big John, The Lawn & Garden Doctor and its services I feel it would be unethical to continue the service as it is currently being operated. When a death occurs in a community, the cause of death is always remember, therefore, the Lawn and Garden doctor division of Mr. and Mrs. Weed’s company will always be attributed to this unfortunate occurrence.

This negative publicity will only begin to drag down the parent company and result in negative profit margins for the other divisions. I believe many community members that are close to the affected family will see any action other than the immediate elimination of this division to be self-serving and an example of egoism on the part of the Weeds. In accordance with my recommendation, I believe there are two (2) possible solutions to the question of “what next? ”. As Mr. Weed currently posses the necessary equipment to store the chemicals needed for this process, he should retain these certifications and permits. I believe Mr.

Weed could find a niche in this market by becoming a local supplier of these chemicals, as well as a store facility for other companies needing to store equipment up to code. This removes Big John’s Lawn and Garden Doctor from the public eye. However, it stays open in a different capacity serving companies that will be able to replace them in the market. The other possibility, is to sell the equipment to another company and lease the land that the storage shed is located on for a constant source of income. While this does not increase the other divisions in the company, it is a zero risk income possibility for the company.

All they have to do is retain any possible certifications needed on the land. This sunk cost can be absorbed by the rent paid by the rentees. 3. Aside from compliance with the law, how much additional responsibility does a business owner have to his or her customer base, employees, suppliers, and the community at large? How do you feel about the old saying “buyer beware”? There is a large amount of social responsibility that a business must undertake when serving a community of any size. As a company, there is always a sense of moral awareness, judgment, and character that goes along with any action you may pursue.

Any possible action has a possible moral reaction in the eyes of your customers and the local governments. By remaining honest and open with your customers you prove to them that you value and respect their decisions. By having a strong moral judgment the company empowers it’s employees to make decisions on behalf of the company in accordance with the values and mission they were trained to. A company’s moral character is important when times get tough or when a new competitor comes into town. If we begin cutting corners to bring up profit margins, we only hurt ourselves in the end.

Any challenge will be difficult to overcome, but it is whether the company can do this while maintaining a high level of professionalism that will speak to its character. Customers need to be aware of the companies they may hire prior to signing a contract. Even if a company has a lower price, it does not necessarily mean they will provide equal service as the higher priced competitors. So when a buyer is evaluating a company, they should take into account any customer reviews, public sentiments, and/or possible lawsuits that have been filed against them.