1. As a company, would you describe PPI as having an identifiable philosophy of moral values? How do its policies contribute to this philosophy?
2. Which ethical perspective best describes PPI's approach to safety issues? Would you say PPI takes a utilitarian-, duty-, or virtue-based approach?
3. Regarding safety issues, how does management see its responsibilities toward its employees? How do the attorneys see their responsibilities toward PPI?
4. Why does it appear that the ethics of PPI and its attorneys are in conflict?
Perfect Plastics Inc. (PPI) is a small injection molding plastics company that employs 50 people and has a strong commitment to safe working conditions. The owner, Tom Griffen, takes pride in the work environment and values order, efficiency, and cleanliness. In order to guarantee safe working conditions, management voluntarily brings in outside consultants who audit the plant for safety. Each year, the audits raise concerns that are then rectified.
The attorneys at PPI are opposed to these audits, fearing they expose the company to liability issues. The president and management recognize these potential downfalls but believe that the audits are necessary for constant improvement and safety.
This is a somewhat realistic case study that demonstrates the need to prioritize values as a leader. Often, the threat of lawsuits or lost profit results in difficult and sometimes unethical decisions. Here, PPI stands by its commitment to safety.