WGU C717 FZP1 Task 1: Latest Update with Complete Solution

Utilitarianism is the idea that the best decisions are the ones that help the most people by choosing actions that bring the most happiness and the least harm to everyone involved. This means that ethical choices should not only benefit the company but also positively impact employees, customers, and the community. By prioritizing outcomes that create the most value for all stakeholders, companies can align their actions with ethical principles and social responsibility. 2. One ethical issue in the scenario is TechFite’s decision to reclassify many full-time employees to part-time status, limiting their access to benefits. Employees were initially promised a full-time work arrangement, with budget constraints have led to a reduction of their hours, preventing them from qualifying for essential benefits. This decision has caused dissatisfaction among workers and contradicts the company’s stated values of employee empowerment and well-being. a. b. This is an ethical issue because it involves a breach of trust between TechFite and its employees, creating uncertainty and a false expectation that employees would receive stable wages and benefits. By cutting hours and preventing access to benefits, TechFite is prioritizing their profits at the expense of employee well-being. This decision reflects a misalignment between the company’s values and its actual business practices. i. The workers are directly affected by the reduction in hours and benefits. Many of them rely on full-time wages and benefits for financial stability, healthcare, and job security. By losing these essential benefits, they may face economic hardship, leading to lower morale and potential turnover. ii. The local community was excited about TechFite’s being part of their community, expecting new job creation and economic growth. However, with the reduction in full-time positions, the public has a negative perception, harming the company’s relationship with the community. c. Applying utilitarian principles, TechFite should reconsider its approach to employee compensation and benefits to maximize overall well-being. By prioritizing employee well-being, it would lead to a more productive workforce, increased morale, and stronger community relations. The company could explore alternative solutions, such as offering partial benefits to part-time employees or looking into gradually restoring full-time positions. This will create positive outcomes for employees, the community, and the company itself by rebuilding trust and commitment to their ethical values. 3. Despite the company’s financial constraints leading to reduced hours and benefits for workers, executives continue to receive bonuses and compensation. a. b. c. B. This is an ethical issue because it reflects an imbalance in how financial resources are allocated; prioritizing executives over the well-being of employees seems unfair. This decision can lead to resentment, low employee morale, and loss of trust in leadership, ultimately impacting productivity and workplace culture. Additionally, it harms TechFite’s credibility, as it initially presents itself as a company that values employee empowerment, but ultimately, it acts in a way that contradicts this principle. i. The workers may start feeling undervalued and exploited, knowing that executives still receive a generous bonus while their own hours and benefits are being cut, leading to higher turnover and a less committed workforce. ii. A disengaged workforce and negative public perception can reduce overall company performance, leading to potential financial instability and shareholder dissatisfaction. While executives may benefit in the short term from high bonuses, the long-term consequences could be more damaging.