Reasons Why Joe Should Turn Down the Invitation

Joe is confronted by an ethical dilemma where he has to decide what is right
and what is wrong. One theory that he can rely on in making an ethical decision is the duty-
based approach (Singh & Mishra, 2018). The duty-based approach is mainly associated with
Immanuel Kant. According to Kant, a decision should not be evaluated based on the
consequences of selected actions. Kant argued that ethical decision-making should be founded on
intent. One should thus consider their obligations before adopting certain actions. One should
thus carefully think about their duties before deciding to adopt action.
In Joe’s case, there are pending contract negotiations with Bill. Joe must ensure
that he negotiates in good faith on behalf of UWEAR. Joe thus has to ensure that he does
not behave in a manner that could jeopardize the contract negotiations. The invitation from Bill
may jeopardize the contract negotiations. Bill may use their friendship to his advantage and may
try to get favorable contractual terms based on their friendship. They may have a hard time
interacting without discussing the pending contractual matters. Based on Kant’s duty-based
ethics, Joe should turn down the invitation and remain true to his duties and obligations to his
employers.
Reasons why Joe Could Accept the Invitation
One of the theories that can be used in making ethical decisions is utilitarianism. The
theory states that actions are weighed based on potential outcomes. The amount of pleasure or
pain that comes from action should be the main consideration when making an ethical decision
(Singh & Mishra, 2018). The theory instructs individuals to weigh the good or bad that stems

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from a decision. One variation of the utilitarianism is the egoistic approach. The approach states
that one should weight the greatest amount of good for themselves. Self-interest is thus important
in making ethical decisions.
In this case, Joe and Bill are close friends. In the past, Joe has received expensive gifts
from Bill. Bill has also helped Joe to win contracts with other hotel owners. Joe also conducts
business meetings at Bill’s hotels. The implication is that their friendship has largely been
beneficial. Accepting the invitation will likely strengthen their relationship and could have
potential rewards in the future. The action has potential positive consequences for Joe and his
family. Based on the egoistic approach, Joe should take action that benefits him and his family.
Joe and his wife could benefit from good relations with Bill, and therefore he should accept the
invitation.
Joe’s Relationship and Bill and Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest is a situation where individuals have competing loyalties. It results
when an individual or individuals have duties to more than one person or organization. Where
the personal interests of an individual may interfere with their duties, a conflict of interest arises.
In Joe and Bill’s case, their relationship meets the definition of conflict of interest (Singh &
Mishra, 2018). The two are friends and are negotiating on behalf of their respective companies.
Their relationship on a personal level puts their contractual negotiations in jeopardy. Their
interests may interfere with their respective duties to their organizations.

UNIT 2 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT 4

References

Singh, A. K., & Mishra, N. K. (2018). Ethical theory & business: A study based on
Utilitarianism and Kantianism. International Journal of Humanities and Social
Development Research, 2(1), 97-112.