Reference no: EM132222526
The study of ethics is among other things a consideration of how we might address and hopefully resolve a problem, situation or dilemma, for which there is no ready resolution. Many of these straddle the line between law and ethics but even in instances in which there seems to be an obvious legal component, we have to ask if addressing the legal issue will resolve the ethical challenge. Here then is a tantalizing opportunity to weigh in on a matter that has proven to be a subject of endless debate. People want to know, will we soon be “Amazonians”?
In this project you will wade into a controversy involving a company both admired and reviled, depending of course on who you talk to. In this case, we are talking about Amazon. Amazon of course is in search of a second world headquarter location and as chance would have it, Pittsburgh made the cut and is on the short list for consideration. In the early going of this corporate game of “Let’s Make a Deal” or “Wheel of Fortune”, there was a certain exhilaration at the prospect of 50,000 new jobs finding their way to this region, courtesy of Amazon. But the longer Pittsburgh and other cities have had to contemplate the entreaties of this rakish suitor, the more skeptical they have become. Critics have suggested that this is a corrupt enterprise that cities are buying into and that they might in some way be selling their souls.
As a fledgling ethics scholar, soon to complete this course, you have been asked by Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto, to weigh in on the ethical dimensions of this process.
2) Who are the relevant stakeholders? Which persons, groups, other entities may be affected by the decision. Obviously some stakeholders may be affected more significantly than others but which among the stakeholders have legitimate expectations that ought to be regarded in this process? How will you prioritize these stakeholders in order of importance?
3) What rights are at stake here? In considering the stakeholders who would be affected by the decision, indicate what rights will be affected by the decision that is made. In other words what duties does a city have toward them?
4) What do those who might be affected by this decision have a right to know? (There has been considerable angst among city residents about the lack of transparency of the process and the concessions that the city might make for this opportunity).
5) You are to make a recommendation to the Mayor based upon clear ethical principles, that will enable him to best justify his decision should Amazon choose this city for its second headquarters location. In making your recommendation, you should draw from appropriate materials in this course as well from outside materials that you have read that will support your recommendation. Remember, just because you are chosen doesn’t mean that you have to accept.