Exam 2: Solving Ethical Dilemmas and Personal Introspection

James Dodgsen is a student in a graduate course in business.The professor in the course has given Dodgsen and his classmates a surprise quiz in class.Dodgsen did not do the reading for class that day because he had been grading papers as part of his TA position.He has been prepared for every other class that semester.As he glances as the quiz questions, he realizes that he does not know any of the answers.However, he sees that Jane Frampton, the student who sits next to him, is well prepared and answering the questions with great ease.He can see her answers because of her large, block-style printing.Dodgsen copies her answers.

Which of the following is not true about Jon Corzine?

"To bribe or not to bribe" is a set-up for the either/or conundrum.

Peter Drucker believes that the ethical obligation of business is to bluff within reason.

What category of ethical dilemma applies to the use of cell phone alibis?

Your college of business is sponsoring a case competition.All teams must watch the other teams compete.The order of presentation is by luck of a draw.The team that is the last to present left during one of the presentations, went to the computer room and redid its PowerPoint slides and restructured its presentation based on what other teams had presented.This team has done nothing wrong.

An ad contains the following: "Restaurant Critic, Jose Winfrey, on Mama Leone's Italian Eatery,' Mama Leone's is simply the best.It is a surprising new entrant into the competitive Italian bistro market and it is a mighty one.'"Jose Winfrey is the cousin of the owner of Mama Leone's and knows restaurants, but is not a critic for any publication or other media outlet.The ad:

MGlobal used customer funds for hedging activity.

You work for a construction firm that is submitting a bid for the construction of a new company headquarters building for Smithco.A friend you have known since high school works in Smithco's capital budgeting area and has full knowledge of all the bids from all firms.It would be unethical for your friend to share that information with you before you submitted your bid.

Stephen Ambrose, a popular historian with many books to his credit, admitted that some segments of one of his recent books had language taken from the books of other historians that was not in quotes.Mr.Ambrose did footnote the work of authors he relied upon in doing his book.

Who said, "What's good for me is good for all shareholders"?

An application for graduate school admission at Arizona State University includes the following request for information: Please list all institutions attended since graduation from high school. Marie Davis, a returning student, is applying for admissions to the Masters in Architecture program.Marie attended the University of Arizona for one semester in 1976.Marie had a substance abuse problem and did not attend many of her classes.She left the University of Arizona before classes ended that semester.She did not take her final exams and earned 15 credit hours of "E" for that semester.After 8 years, the policy of the University of Arizona is to expunge the records of non-matriculating students.Marie's record was expunged in December 1994.

With respect to #20, it is not necessary for the company to take any action to correct the problem or refund money for those who already own the new calculator.

In the Penn State case, who was charged with criminal activity?

Your supervisor has told you that he wants to "get rid of Jane."Jane is a Hispanic female co-worker who is very bright and capable and hardworking.Your supervisor has asked you to document everything Jane does and says that will help build a case for termination.You should do as your supervisor tells you.

In the Goldman Abacus deal, who determined what mortgages went into the investment pool?

Your supervisor has had a calendar with pictures of naked women on the inside panel of his desk for several months.A secretary spotted the calendar and commented to your supervisor that it was not appropriate for an office.Your supervisor took down the calendar and has asked you to back him up if any complaints are filed.He has asked you to say that you never saw the calendar.It would not be unethical for you to do as your supervisor requests because he has removed the calendar.

Why do companies issue press releases when executives depart that indicate the executives are leaving to spend more time with their families?What are the ethical issues in issuing such statements if they are not true?

Leaders who are focused on their own goals are less likely to lose their way when it comes to ethics.

When a company announces that an executive is "Leaving to spend more time with his family":