Deontological Ethics in Organizations John Doe is a warehouse supervisor who works for a national company that sells high quality and very expensive electronics – e.g. HD television sets, business and home computers, and business and personal laptops. John has a high school education, and has been employed by the company for 10 years. Recently, John was promoted to an exempt (salaried) low-level management position; his present annual salary is $ 60,000. Over the past two months, John has been stealing HD television sets from his employer – and reselling them. To date, he has stolen $ 15,000 in merchandise. When John’s wife – Jane – takes note of the rapid growth in the family’s savings account, she asks John about the source of the money. John’s astonished response is:” Jane! Are you kidding? It’s a company bonus. (Well, sort of). Look, Jane, while I make better money than I used to, it’s not enough compensation for all the stuff I do. This company can afford to pay me more than what they pay – and they don’t. The way I look at it, I earn this money! It’s a well-deserved – and hard-earned – bonus, Jane. You know that we can barely pay our bills. I’m doing what is best for our family! Speaking deontological, it’s my duty to do what is best for my family – even if what I’m doing is wrong! Questions: What are the deontological ethics raised in this situation? Consider this problem from the perspective of John’s duty, Jane’s duty, and the company’s rights.
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