Courtland Kelley Case Summary

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Courtland Kelley was working for General Motors over 30 years. He had been the head of a nationwide GM inspection program and then the quality manager. After found the flaws that ignition switch in the Chevrolet Cobalt could easily slip into the “off’ position, Kelley reported them over and over. However the result was disappointed that his colleagues and supervisors kept silence. In Kelley’s opinion, they were more worried about the bureaucracies and avoiding expensive recalls than stopping sale of the vehicle with problems. After that, Kelly sued GM in 2003 under a whistleblower law. GM denied wrongdoing, and the case was dismissed on procedural grounds. Meanwhile, Kelley’s career went into hibernation. It was out until former U.S. Attorney …show more content…

For the responsibilities, he found the flawed ignition switch in their product could easily slip to off, coursing the cutting power, stalling the engine, and disabling airbags just when they’re need most. For the customer safety and company, he report them. Once Kelly found the ethical issue, he made an individual decision to report the problems. Based on his professional knowledge and responsibility, he wanted to warn his colleagues and supervisors over and over. However, he repeatedly found his colleagues' and supervisors' responses wanting. The significant of others were keeping silence. Maybe they were concerned with maintaining their bureaucracies. The report also turned out GM’s culture of complacency. The employees passed the buck and committees fallen back on the “GM nod”-when everyone in a meeting agreed that something should happen, and no one actually did it. Kelly had opportunities, and should report the flaws. So he decided to sue his company, under a whistleblower law. He was agitating not to harm the company or enrich himself but save it. He considered it was the right thing to do. He still remained loyal to his employer. When I evaluate his behavior, I find he treat this ethical issues very well. There is no obviously wrong for him. Comparing the unfair treating from GM, Kelley has been floating from position to position, still has a job, but didn't have a career, no

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