Consequentialist theories
Your company, Ye Old Paper Mill, recently experienced some organizational chart changes, mostly related to management positions. After posting low profits and even lower employment satisfaction scores, the CEO decided it was time for a change. The CEO, who prefers consequentialist views when it comes to ethical decisions, approached you, along with the rest of the human resources department, and tasked the team with weighing consequentialist ethical theories and selecting which theory would be best for potential managers. For this assessment, you will draft a proposal that addresses the following questions:
What are key features of consequentialist theories?
What are the differences between the consequentialist theories?
How does happiness and pleasure factor in to these theories? Remember employee satisfaction is at an all-time low.
What are the pros and cons of each view for the company if the majority of its employees would follow one of the particular theories?
Would it be possible for a manager, who follows a different ethical perspective, to effectively manage subordinates who follow a particular consequentialist theory?
Select and defend which consequentialist theory for management would be best for the company.
Your properly formatted proposal will need to include the following sections:
Introduction: Explain why you are sending this proposal. Provide an overview of the issue and discuss the task from the CEO.
Sample Solution
Consequentialist Theories: Summarize and explain key features of consequentialist theories. Differences Between Theories: Compare and contrast the differences between utilitarianism, hedonism, egoism, and altruism. Happiness/Pleasure Factor: Discuss how happiness and pleasure factor into each of the theories. Pros & Cons for Company: Analyze and evaluate the pros and cons for each of these theories for Ye Old Paper Mill if most employees were to follow one particular view. Mangers from Different Perspective Effectively Managing Employees Following Different Theory:
Explain whether or not it would be possible for a manager who follows a different ethical perspective to manage subordinates who follow a particular consequentialist theory.
Conclusion/Recommendation: Select which consequentialist theory you think is best for the company based on your analysis above. Offer an explanation as to why this would be beneficial for YOPM in terms of increasing profits and employee satisfaction scores.
Introduction
This proposal will address the task set forth by our CEO at Ye Old Paper Mill (YOPM) regarding selecting a consequentialist ethical theory that will potentially increase profits while improving employee satisfaction scores; both of which have been especially low lately due to organizational chart changes related to management positions within YOPM . We will analyze key features of four types of consequentialist theories; utilitarianism, hedonism, egoism, altruism; identify their differences along with discussing how happiness and pleasure factor into each view before evaluating both pros & cons that could influence YOPM should majority its employees follow one particular view lastly we will assess whether or not it is possible for managers with different perspectives effectively manage those subordinate following other theories before making final recommendation towards which theoretical approach is best suited towards YOPM's current needs..
Consequentialists Theories
The primary feature that links all four types together regarding Consequentialists Theories are they focus on actual results over moral decisions derived from subjective feelings or personal desires when deciding what actions are right versus wrong according to Stanford Encyclopedia Of Philosophy “Consequentialists believe that morally right behavior consists in producing good consequences” In simpler terms all views agree outcomes matter more than intentions themselves when judging morality behind any given decision regardless if it was intentional or unintentional even though unique characteristics differentiate individual views within this scope as discussed below .
Differences Between Theory
Utilitarianism : promotes “greatest good” concept where emphasis placed upon obtaining maximum balance between quantity & quality benefits society through collective action , thus allowing greatest amount people benefiting from said action moreover utilitarianians tend judge morality based upon number people positively impacted compared total population rather than just few individuals . Hedonistic : suggests maximizing amount pleasure experienced through enjoyable activities such relaxing , eating delicious meals , spending time close ones etc meanwhile minimizing pain cause by less pleasant situations like working long hours sacrificing leisure time etc Egoistic : places highest priority upon self-interests where individual decides what actions take base solely own well-being without factoring greater good Altruistic : emphasizes importance values taking care others ahead self usually done out sense duty obligation rather simply satisfying own desires . Happiness / Pleasure Factor All 4 approaches discussed here differ considerably when taking emotion into consideration whereas Utilitarian believes overall happiness can achieved maximization benefits broader society Hedonistic stresses mainly focusing activities bring joy life meanwhile Egoistic puts sole stress upon individual's pursuit joy motives Altruistic encourages individuals strive make world better place help others do same however main difference lies intent behind decision reach outcome underlie all listed types since none requires person sacrifice own pleasures order achieve them meaning whichever chosen still provide some level gratification regardless which direction taken focusing mostly either collective benefit single person’s wants ? Pros & Con Companies If majority employees adopt one type Consequentialists Theory then expected result increased productivity levels since everyone focused achieving similar objectives agreed upon basis resulting higher profits alongside customer satisfaction rankings throughout business now depending perspective taken might suggest certain types more beneficial organization compared rest let explore further detail below Utilitarian - advantage increased production efficiency due institution rules regulations allow find optimal solutions dilemmas fastest manner also means least amount resources spent obtain desired goal another thing consider potential raise morale work environment encouraging workers collaborate solve problem instead competing amongst themselves downside possibility creating inequality amongst staff members often reinforces existing power structures place maintaining status quo Additionally times organization must choose short term gain lose sight long term progress caused excessive focus immediate winners losers therefore critical ensure strategy works everyone involved Hedonisms - positive aspects associated keeping employees motivated feeling inspired constant state euphoria created performing tasks fun enjoyable meanwhile negative implications come cost cutting measures needed pay lifestyles ultimately lead lower wages deteriorated working conditions Egoisms - plus side provide incentive remain productive drive succeed ambition motivation remains high at workplace opposite side suggest seen form selfishness competitiveness encourage isolation among staff squander energies put pointless endeavors neglecting important priorities Altruistics – great opportunity nurture team spirit build relationships solidifying bond among co-workers lead significant improvements job satisfaction ratings conversely sense duty obligation create pressure constantly looking after interests others detriment own leaving no room personal growth advancement Managers From Different Perspective Effectively Managing Employees Following Different Theory Yes possible whilst following two separate paths simultaneously essentially rely common ground need effective communication plan outline expectations role requirements share responsibilities open dialogue outlining managed goals clear purpose respect authority presented being aware limitations strengths keep track development process Conclusion / Recommendation Based above analysis seem obvious choice select Utilitarian approach managing workforce within Ye Old Paper Mill while commonality found amongst remaining three options decisive factor appears increasing profitability figures accompanied improved customer satisfaction rates able obtained implementation policy allows collective effort aimed attaining greatest benefit largest group people meaning looking maximize gains outweigh losses comes costs incurred undertaking such ventures thanks providing closer look processes create select suitable course action employ moving forward