Ethics

Model Answer

Ethical Concerns Raised by the Case

One of the primary ethical concerns in this case is the presumption of innocence. According to this principle, a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Rushing to terminate an employee based solely on a video without concrete evidence violates this ethical standard. It is critical to refrain from jumping to conclusions, as premature judgment can lead to unfair treatment of the employee and could result in unjust consequences.

Rule of Fair Hearing and Due Process

The rule of fair hearing is another essential ethical consideration. This principle mandates that the individual accused should have the opportunity to present their side of the story. By not providing the employee with a fair chance to explain or defend themselves, the company would be denying them a fundamental aspect of natural justice. Terminating the employee without due process could raise concerns about the company’s adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Social Responsibility

Social responsibility plays a significant role in the company’s decision-making process. As a corporate entity, the company must maintain ethical standards and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. Hastily dismissing the employee without a thorough investigation could tarnish the company’s reputation and damage relationships with stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the public. It is crucial for the company to act thoughtfully and consider the broader impact of their actions.

Media Ethics

The role of the media in this case is also an ethical concern. Media ethics dictate that reporting should be accurate, fair, and impartial. Speculative reporting or spreading unverified information about the employee can be seen as irresponsible journalism. A media trial without facts can lead to severe consequences, including harm to the employee’s reputation and unnecessary public scrutiny.

Employee Welfare

Lastly, the ethical treatment of the employee’s welfare is a critical consideration. The employee is under significant mental and emotional distress due to media attention. Any decision that exacerbates this situation, particularly without clear evidence, could unduly harm the employee’s psychological and financial stability. Ensuring the well-being of employees should be a priority for the company, balancing the need for justice with compassion.