Quality Management - A Case of Substandard Assurance Julie's first job after graduation from Ryerson University was working as a quality control engineer with a highly respected technology company. She had to monitor the manufacturing process and make sure that all products met customer specifications. Just three months into her position, the company signed a very large business agreement with another organization, helping increase the company's dominance in the business world. This was also a chance for Julie to demonstrate her skills to her superiors in order to move up in the company. The organization specifically picked Julie's company because of its good reputation and fast work schedule. Julie's job was to test the new tool and make sure it met technical and environmental specifications, particularly functionality under extreme conditions, such as high humidity. The test results showed that the products did not meet the quality standards agreed upon, but only by a very small margin. Her general manager instructed her to push the product through anyway, stating that the risk of failure was not great enough to delay mass production. Moreover, the likelihood of the product ever being placed in such extreme situations was so small that the manager did not feel jeopardizing the contract was worth it. Julie spoke to her immediate boss, who worked under her general manager, and he also advocated pushing the product through to production. She was faced with the choice of ignoring company protocols or going against management. Sweeping the problem under the rug would require Julie to sign off on a report that she knew to be fraudulent. She also knew that, if she went to upper management, her working relationships with her managers would be damaged, maybe even prevent her success in the company. Not to mention, the company would have to delay production and possibly lose the contract. What should Julie do?

1. What is the ethical dilemma that Julie faces?

2. Identify and explain at least 4 stakeholders affected by this ethical dilemma.

3. Identify and analyze at least 3 options that are available for Julie.

4. What should Julie do? Which option is the most ethical one? Explain.

5. What personal values would you consider when making a final decision? List at least 3 different values and explain.