Autonomy In The Workplace: A Case Study

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What is autonomy? Both lippke and Arrington have a similar definition of autonomy. Lippke explains that autonomous individuals want to find their own path and guide their lives, in their own way (Lippke, 2001, pg. 537). Alternatively, Arrington describes autonomy as the desire for control and free choice (Arrington, 1982, pg. 3). For the purpose of this essay, “autonomy” is defined as the ability to rationally and freely determine one’s own choice. Kant (cited in Wilson, Pg. 246) explains that rational beings are an end in themselves and therefore should be respected Why is it morally significant to violate autonomy? Mill (cited in Darwall, 2013, pg. 116) states that autonomy is an intrinsic component and benefit of a person’s happiness and …show more content…

Industrialised countries with tiered and commanding business management systems, suppresses autonomy by administering tasks in a top down manner and dictating the process in which employees perform them. During an individual’s working life, performance, discipline procedures, technology choices and job criteria are imposed by management, leading to individuals not exercising and acquiring a good level of autonomy (Lippke, 2001, pg. 537&538). Lippke maintains that education is another factor that determines the level of autonomy achieved by individuals. Education systems that are inferior and do not expose students to varying cultures, are environments that do not support the development of autonomy (Lippke, 2001, pg. …show more content…

After all, if the puffery was removed from an advertisement, all we would be left with is a black and white advertisement that described an items characteristics and use (Arrington, 1982, pg. 3 & 5). This type of advertising according to Levitt (cited in Arrington, 1982, pg. 5) would also reduce our desire to purchase and decrease out satisfaction with the item, if we did purchase. Although advertising may trigger irrational desires due to the fact that it provides greater information, it doesn’t mean the desires are not owned by the individual. (Arrington, 1982, pg. 8). Christina Whidya Utami (2011, pg. 132) explains that desires can be a motivational factor in the decision making process, however that motivation is just an early stage of action and the individual still has time for critical thinking and rational

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