Question
Aranguez Corporation produces a molded plastic casing, LX20A, for desktop computers. Summary data from its 2013 income statement are as follows: Revenues $ 8,000,000 Variable
Aranguez Corporation produces a molded plastic casing, LX20A, for desktop computers. Summary data from its 2013 income statement are as follows:
Revenues | $ 8,000,000 |
Variable costs | (4,800,000) |
Fixed costs | (3,000,000) |
Operating income | $ 200,000 |
Jane Dall, Aranguez’s president, is very concerned about Aranguez Corporation’s poor profitability. She asks Giselle James, production manager, and Lester Saline, controller, to see if there are ways to reduce costs.
After two weeks, James returns with a proposal to reduce variable costs to 50% of revenues by reducing the costs Aranguez currently incurs for safe disposal of waste plastic. Saline is concerned that this would expose the company to potential environmental liabilities. He tells James, “We would need to estimate some of these potential environmental costs and include them in our analysis.” “You cannot do that,” James replies. “We are not violating any laws. There is some possibility that we may have to incur environmental costs in the future, but if we bring it up now, this proposal will not go through because our senior management always assumes these costs to be larger than they turn out to be. The market is very tough, and we are in danger of shutting down the company. We don’t want all our colleagues to lose their jobs. The only reason our competitors are making money is because they are doing exactly what I am proposing.”
Required
Given Giselle James’s comments, what should Lester Saline do? Be sure to refer to the IMA’s Ethical Guidance. Make sure you include the following in your answer:
Who are the stakeholders in this situation?
How do each of the four (4) concepts described in the Guidelines apply to this situation?
Ultimately, what should Lester Saline do in this scenario?
Step by Step Solution
3.38 Rating (145 Votes )
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Answer Explanation Statement of ethical professional Practice I COMPETENCE Each member has a responsibility to 1 Maintain an appropriate level of prof...Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started