Step $4$: Being Responsible with the Relationship Lens

Part $1$Act with Courage

In this lens, we identified the basic liberties entitled to our community:

Right of Bresnet employees and residents near the Bresnet factory to be informed of the pollution hazard created from the production of OSL.

Right of Bresnet's CEO to know if you intend to terminate the OSL contract and an opportunity to address your concerns to preserve the agreement.

Right of G$-$BioSport to demand Bresnet reduce or eliminate their pollution as a condition of doing any further business together.

We also identified the most and least advantaged stakeholders:

Employees of Bresnet and residents near its plant

You, G$-$BioSport's VP of Operations

Of the six options listed below, one of them is an ethically mature action using the criteria of the Relationship Lens, one is ethically acceptable, and one represents an ethically immature action. The other three options define ethical behavior through the perspective of the Reputation Lens, which we'll explore next.

Best Option: An ethically mature option is one where the process that you follow to resolve the ethical dilemma is fair. In addition, the option should treat the other stakeholders with care, especially in the allocation of resources and power.

Good Option: A good ethical option is one where you follow established processes to solve a problem as you treat people fairly and with respect, but you don't acknowledge the systemic implications inherent in the problem.

Poor Option: A poor ethical option is one where you modify the processes as needed to reach an outcome that is good for you, even though the process and the result may not be fair to other stakeholders.

I've made a list of what I think are the possible choices in this situation. Considering the basic liberties of the stakeholders and paying particular attention to the least advantaged stakeholder, choose the option that you think is the most ethical using the principles and values of the Relationship Lens.

Which option best supports the community's basic liberties?

$$Option $1$

Continue purchasing OSL from Bresnet, but work out the terms of a deal with Jackson Chemicals in the meantime. Once everything is in place, terminate the Bresnet contract and switch manufacturing partners so there's no lapse in G$-$BioSport's supply chain.

$$Option $2$

Because Bresnet has not committed to the virtue of transparency or improvement by voluntarily reducing its environmental impact, announce that you will end your contract with them under the adverse impact clause and partnering with Jackson Chemicals. Phase out the contract over six months to show compassion to Bresnet's workers and give all parties time to adjust.

$$Option $3$

Engage a law firm to issue a legal opinion that Bresnet's manufacturing processes are fully compliant within Parovia. Use that opinion as the basis for continuing to purchase OSL from Bresnet with no changes to their manufacturing process.

$$Option $4$

To demonstrate the virtue of moral courage, unilaterally and immediately terminate the contract under the adverse impact clause, even though G$-$BioSport's business may suffer. As quickly as possible, negotiate a contract for the purchase of OSL from Jackson Chemicals.

$$Option $5$

Meet with the CEO of Bresnet and notify them that G$-$BioSport will have to terminate the contract unless they take steps to modify their manufacturing process to stop the pollution within $30$ days. Explain that EnviroHelp will contribute money if Bresnet will work toward the higher standards but refuse to financially support the project because the burden for meeting the contract terms is on Bresnet.

$$Option $6$

To honor the social contract with the community as well as your signed contract with Bresnet, explain to Brenset that it must modify its manufacturing process to eliminate the pollution and provide notice of the current hazard. To ensure that those without power are protected despite Bresnet's lack of funds, explain that your company will partner with EnviroHelp and cover the costs, but that Bresnet must move toward compliance with the UN Paris Agreement.