Ethical Scenario 3

When he graduated from college with a degree in science, Andy had found a solid job in his profession, married, and had two sons. Twelve years later, he moved to another company that promised steady advancement within its managerial ranks. A devoted family man; he admired his wife's dedication to raising the boys. But he also observed that his sons, approaching their teen years, benefited greatly from his fatherly friendship and counsel - especially as they approached what he and his wife realized could prove to be a difficult transitional period in their upbringing. So he made a commitment to spend plenty of time with them, playing baseball and helping with their homework.

But he also loved his work, and did well at it. And it quickly became apparent that , to advance rapidly up the managerial ranks, he needed an MBA. A nearby university offered the degree in an attractive evening-and weekend program that would allow him to continue full-time employment. But it would soak up the next several years of his life and throw most of the family activities into his wife's hands.

It was right, he felt to honour his family's needs - to stick close to his sons at a time when a father's influence seemed so important. Yet it was right to build for the other needs of his family - to equip himself with an education that would make him a better provider in the coming years, when he would presumably need to pay college tuitions.

1. a) Outline the main facts.

b) Using Kidder's 4 types of ethical dilemmas, identify the type of ethical dilemma? Explain your choice and outline what are the competing interests. (4)

2. What should Andy do in this case? Give your reasoning for your response giving reference to the ethical viewpoints you believe applies in this case. (4)