Ethics

Paper 1: Required Reading

Madsen, S., & Vance, C. (2009). Unlearned lessons from the past: An insider’s view of Enron’s downfall. Corporate Governance, 9(2), 216-

227. Retrieved from ProQuest.

4- to 5-page paper, apply the Utility Test to the Enron case study

Choose an ethical issue raised by the Enron case study – e.g., Enron’s accounting fraud, the company’s reward systems, its use of “special

purpose entities,” or Enron’s “deal making” culture. Apply the Utility Test: http://ethicsops.com/UtilityTest.php
Be sure that you follow each step of the Utility Test (use a separate section heading for discussion of each step of the test):

Introduce the test.

Briefly discuss why utility ethics is a valid way of deciding right and wrong.

Apply the test

Step 1: Identify the alternative actions that are possible and the persons and groups (the stakeholders) who will be affected by these

actions.

Step 2: For each of the most promising alternatives, determine the benefits and costs to each person or group affected.

Step 3: Select the action in the current situation that produces the greatest benefits over costs for all affected.

Step 4: Discuss what would happen if the action were a policy for all similar situations.

Draw a conclusion. If the same action is selected in Steps 3 & 4, then the action is an ethical one. If different actions are

selected, decide whether the individual action will produce the greatest good and the least harm, for all affected, over the long term. Be

sure to use at least two sources from the library to support your discussion and analysis (choose sources that are not included in the

Background section of Module 3).

Part 2: Required Reading

Fallon, N. (2014, December 4). 20 great examples of socially responsible businesses. Business News Daily. Retrieved from

http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5499-examples-socially-responsible-businesses.html

2- to 3-page paper, discuss the extent to which an organization with which you are familiar pursues CSR.　

In 1-2 paragraphs, describe your organization – what it does, how many employees, how much revenue, etc.

Select some aspect of CSR, and discuss how your organization employs CSR in its operations.

What are the specific advantages to your company in its use of CSR?

If your company does not presently pursue a form of CSR, please identify a specific CSR practice (e.g., environmental consciousness,

community welfare, etc.) from which your company would benefit.

Be sure to use at least two sources from the library to support your discussion and analysis (choose sources that are not included in

the Background section of this module).

Follow the guidelines in The Student Guide to Writing a High Quality Academic Paper

You are expected to demonstrate evidence of critical thinking – as defined in the Module 2 background materials and the grading

rubric.

Save your completed paper, and upload your assignment before the due date