Discussion Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Discussion Questions - Essay Example The ethical issues arising from downsizing are evaluated in terms of utilitarian ethical concepts that indicate the downsizing decision or action is morally or ethical valid if it results in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Another ethical issue of downsizing examines the concept of rights and duties made famous by Immanuel Kant. According to Gilbert (2000), â€Å"the basic position here is that individuals have rights, either as humans, as citizens of a given country or state, or as occupants of a particular position. These right rights confer duties on others, and the morality of a given decision or act can be determined by an analysis of these rights and duties.† The ethical issue in this case arises when employees stress that they have rights to their jobs and therefore managers have a duty not to lay them off. Finally, the ethics of justice and fairness are evaluated in situations where it does not seem fair for one employee to be selected to be termin ated despite performing well.