NEEDS TO BE 300 words

Assume you serve as a human resource executive for a large multinational firm that has plants in Malaysia, Thailand, and Pakistan. The firm also has suppliers throughout Asia. You are based here in the USA.

The firm recently hired a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who supports the rights of foreign workers. He believes that all employees connected with the firm should be treated ethically and humanely. He says he has based his personal reputation on these beliefs.

The senior manager who handles the overseas operations conducted an inspection and became concerned when he observed less positive treatment of foreign workers in one of the company's plants and in a supplier's factory.

The senior manager communicated these concerns to the CEO. The CEO asked that the senior manager not release this information and that he not take any action about this situation until after an upcoming shareholders' meeting. The CEO has made it clear to you that he wants to avoid a possible drop in the firm's stock price and any negative impact on management bonuses (including the CEO's bonus and the senior manager's bonus). You must decide how you will handle this situation. Do you abide by the CEO's orders or do you release the information and take corrective steps immediately?

• What are the ethical issues in this situation?
• What are the basic arguments for each course of action?
• What do you think most managers would do?
• What would you do?