Table of contentsPrescriptive approach: consequentialistPrescriptive approach: deontologicalPrescriptive approach: virtue ethicsInfluencesUnder the pressure of authority, integrity and our values, how does an individual determine what virtue ethics is the right thing to do? In my previous role, as a Packaging Engineer at Honda Manufacturing, I was responsible for designing and developing packaging solutions for various automotive components. These automotive components were produced and assembled at a supplier and shipped to the factory for final assembly. The packaging design must sufficiently support the parts during transport, so that no aesthetic or functional damage occurs. To put my role into perspective, I was responsible for car components such as the seats, sunroof, dashboard and center console. My assigned parts ship domestically and internationally. The success of my design was largely down to the Honda quality representative, Honda line associates, manufacturer and supplier. Each of these parties had a stake in the packaging design. An ethical dilemma I encountered in my role was whether to use an existing rack design for the newly redesigned part. Given the slightly steeper curvature, additional foam insulation, and past issues with the rack, I didn't think the existing rack would last another 5 years in the carrier system. I also didn't think it would offer any protection. After getting the design of the new rack approved through all channels, the manufacturer began producing a working prototype. Even though the prototype design and cost had been approved by the team, my project manager suddenly had a concern about the cost. As a result, my project manager asked me to push the existing designed rack for approval. This command has had enormous destructive implications for multiple parties throughout the internal and external value chain. The conflicting values ​​were authority, competence, customer satisfaction, integrity and innovation. The conflict between these values ​​can be characterized as the conflict between the project manager and the employee's deliverables. The value of authority directly aligns with the power of the project manager, while the other values ​​align with the responsibilities of my role. The values ​​that directly align with my personal morals are competence and integrity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayPrescriptive Approach: ConsequentialistWhen using the consequentialist approach, the stakeholders identified are: the end consumers, the representative of quality, operational partners, manufacturer, supplier, project. manager, packaging department and manufacturing plant. If I use the new design, the only stakeholder likely to receive negative criticism is my project manager. The criticism would involve a discussion, with the unit manager, regarding the project cost overrun. Although my project was not the only contributing factor to going over budget, it was only a small part. On the other hand, if I use the existing design, aesthetic and functional damage will occur. As a result, the remaining stakeholders would experience discontent. Once the part is shipped to the production line, imperfections in the part would be detected and the line would stop. In a manufacturing plant,time equals money. When the production line stops, an investigation team intervenes and decides what is the best course of action immediately. An emergency meeting is called to understand what happened, which department is at fault, and determine the next steps for an undercover solution. The manufacturer may be tasked with quickly modifying racks that are not currently in its production schedule. Unfortunately, the supplier will be responsible for replacing damaged parts. Finally, the packaging department will receive criticism from other departments, due to the loss of production.time.Prescriptive approach: EthicsUnder the ethical approach, I am obliged to produce packaging solutions to the best price according to the “JIT” model. Considering the golden rule, an appropriate response would be to promote a new design solution and negotiate the best cost per rack. Under a veil of ignorance, I would not have followed my project manager's instructions. This decision would have been based on Kant's categorical imperative and not on my project manager's authority over me. According to Kant's categorical imperative, the textbook says, you should treat others the same way you think they should treat everyone else. In my ethical dilemma, I believe that both internal and external customers should be treated with respect.Prescriptive Approach: Virtue EthicsConsidering the virtue ethics approach, my intention was to create a rack design to reduce bottlenecks logistical bottlenecks. Since the rack design had received prior approval from the team, I believed the cost prerequisites were met. To know if my actions reflect a person of integrity, I consult mentors, supervisors and people I respect professionally within my company. My ethical role model and mentor within the company is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Keeping in mind the goal of having a successful professional career, she and I are my own harshest moral critics. I think my mentor would think the best solution was to fight for my design and find alternative materials or specifications to reduce costs. She always encourages me to fight for what I believe is right.InfluencesMy ethical decision, to follow my project manager's directives, was influenced by several different factors, which affected what I believed to be the best option. My moral cognitive development fell into the conventional (Level II) and postconventional (Level III) categories. Level II, Stage 4, indicates that an individual has the desire to follow rules and laws. In my ethical dilemma, I had a strong desire to follow proper instructions to develop a mount that would adequately support the piece. I also identified with the Level III Stage 6 theory of following universal ethical principles. This universal ethical principle was the golden rule: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Along with the Golden Rule, I also use the role of emotion to help me decide the right course of action. I put myself in the shoes of other stakeholders and thought: how would I, as a supplier, react if I was given a faulty medium to support the parts during transport? I was fully aware that my actions directly affected the outcome many would face. This awareness can be seen as an internal locus of control. Our text explains that an individual with an internal locus of control is more likely to do what they think is right and less likely to.