Volkswagon ethical case study MIS 610:

Issue - Volkswagon manipulated the way the motor works using technology to hide how the motor ran to pass emissions controls in the USA.

Background information

• VW fraud: Timeline of a scandal: https://www.cleanenergywire.org/factsheets/dieselgate-timeline-car-emissions-fraud-scandal-germany
• Volkswagon - the scandal explained - https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772
• Volkswagen scandal: Top German court rules automaker must pay 'dieselgate' compensation: https://www.dw.com/en/volkswagen-scandal-top-german-court-rules-automaker-must-pay-dieselgate-compensation/a-53556743

Scenario - You work for Volkswagon in their information technology and business group and are asked by your manager to be on the team that is developing software so that the cars can pass emissions controls test in other countries. This is even though the cars engines cannot continuously and so do not meet the requirements for emissions controls in the United States of America (USA).

You know it is important for the organisation's goal to be the number one car producer in the world to be above to sell in the USA market. However you feel concerned about doing something that you consider unethical as you will create software that is working around the current regulations for emissions controls in the USA.

If you do not agree it is possible you will be sidelined or maybe lose your job.

What do you decide to do?See the Assessment brief to guide you on how to answer this scenario. You first answer it based on your own ethical perspective. Then you apply two of the ethical frameworks we learn in class to help you with your decision making. QUESTIONS

1) Reflect upon the incident discussed in the ethical dilemma scenario provided. 2)The following questions need to be considered in your answer: o 3)What do you think is the issue in this situation? 4)What would your response be to this issue? 5)Justify your answer - why would you respond in this way? o 6)What laws, ethical codes, or personal ethical stance apply to the situation? 7)Why would you choose one action rather than another? 8)In what ways do you think your own cultural background influenced the way you would answer this situation?