Business and Society 9th Edition by Archie Carroll,Ann Buchholtz

Exercise 8

Hazardous Waste
I am currently employed at a small company, and from my very first day, I realized that this company is unlike any other electronics manufacturing company in which I have worked since I have been a technician. Very little attention is placed on the operations aspect of their manufacturing process. Most of the equipment, computers, and devices that we use are outdated and very old, including the chairs, benches, carts and tables. Top management sets the culture of the company. The president's main goal is to make a profit by any means necessary, without focusing on aesthetics. His outlook is "we make money and spend very little money," and "if you don't like the way things are done here, don't let the door knob hit you on your ass on the way out."
One of the things that stood out to me right away was how the scrapings, the pieces of solder, and used component parts are disposed. This material is considered hazardous and should not be placed in the regular trash containers, but, of course, this is how it is handled. There should be hazardous containers in place and the solder and other materials should be disposed of properly. Disposing of hazardous materials improperly goes against environmental sustainability. I considered approaching the director of operations and confronting him about the solder disposal but then decided against it because of the nature of the president and the culture of the company.
1. Should I say something to the president, even though I know it will not change his behavior and I could lose my job?
2. Should I blow the whistle outside the company, even though I know the president will know it was me and is likely to fire me?
3. How much should I factor the outcomes of my actions into my decision on whether or not to act?
4. What ethical principle should I use to guide my behavior in this situation? Why?