Case Study 1 – Cost Justified (Joe, Mary, and John)

By: Graheeth Mudulodu (MBA- Panthers) 23WU0202303

Introduction:

Joe, who was recently promoted to District Manager of Computer Operations, is in a difficult
situation. His supervisor, Mary, wants him to lie to the CEO in reply to an anonymous letter that
states that the new system is not working well. Joe knows that the letter is telling the truth, but he
is afraid to disobey his supervisor. This report will discuss the ethical issues involved in Joe's
situation and offer suggestions for how he should handle it.

Ethical Issues:

• Honesty and Integrity:

Joe knows that the system's performance is not as good as the CEO says it is. If he were to
write a response that misrepresents the system's performance, he would be lying and betraying
his own values.
• Accountability:
Joe had previously informed Mary about the performance problems, showing that he was
committed to transparency and accountability. If he had ignored these concerns and given a
misleading response, it would have undermined accountability.
• Professional Responsibility:
Joe is responsible for making sure that the information he sends to his superiors is correct and
trustworthy. If he gives them false or misleading information, he is breaking his professional
responsibility.
• Whistleblowing:
Joe is faced with a difficult decision: whether to expose potential misrepresentation within his
organization. Whistleblowing is a serious act with significant consequences, and Joe must
carefully weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision.
Recommendations:

• Open Communication:
Joe should talk to Mary honestly and respectfully about his concerns about writing a
misleading response to the CEO. He should emphasize the importance of providing accurate
information.
• Offer Alternative Solutions:
Instead of writing a dishonest response, Joe can offer to conduct a thorough review of the
system's performance issues, provide a detailed analysis, and suggest potential improvements.
• Seek Guidance:
Joe can talk to HR or an ethics officer in the company to discuss his concerns and explore
possible courses of action.
• Document Everything:
Joe should keep detailed records of his interactions with Mary and any relevant documentation
related to the system's performance issues. This documentation can serve as evidence if needed.
• Consider Whistleblowing:
If Joe has tried everything else and still believes that the organization's actions may harm
stakeholders or violate ethical standards, he may need to consider whistleblowing to an
external authority or regulatory body. However, he should seek legal advice before taking this
step.

Conclusion:

Joe has a responsibility to speak up if he is asked to write a misleading response to the CEO. He
can do this by having a candid and respectful conversation with Mary, offering alternative
solutions, seeking guidance, documenting everything, and considering whistleblowing if
necessary.