Hughes Microelectronics Case Study

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Recommended: Business ethics - moral of a corporation

Introduction Hughes Microelectronics is a company that were found to have unethical practices during the 1980’s when handling government contracts. This was brought to light by two whistleblowers that worked for the company at the time. The purpose of this is to review four main questions concerning the situation and how it was handled ethically by the whistleblower. The first and second parts will be fairly similar what were the responsibilities of the company itself, what were the responsibilities of the main whistleblower Margaret Goodearl. Next, the conflict between the two parties will be examined and also whether or not the situation was handled ethically. Lastly the question of whether or not whistleblowing is the most ethical solution …show more content…

Hughes sought quantity while the whistleblower was focused on the quality of the product. The unethical standpoint of Hughes disregarded the required quality of product that they were supposed to create. Goodearl, from a standpoint of virtue ethics, a tradition within philosophical ethics that seeks a full and detailed description of those character traits, or virtues, that would constitute a good and full human life,(Hartman, p. 123) could not let her integrity be compromised by knowingly passing faulty products. Within this conflict of interests, and before resorting to whistleblowing, Goodearl attempted to handle the situation within the company but met resistance. With threats of retaliation as far a threats of being fired and on her status as not being a legal resident and the consequences of losing her job. Her approach to the situation should be seen as ethical even in a utilitarian perspective as she sought to do the greatest good both for the agencies receiving the products as well as letting the issue be handled internally so there would be less harm done to the company itself. When this approach had been exhausted and met with resistance at each occurrence, was when the path of becoming a whistleblower was taken. At this point it should still be seen as an ethical decision due to the fact that she had attempted multiple times to handle the situation for the greatest …show more content…

However, it may not be the best solution to be used first when dealing with unethical corporate practices. From more of a Utilitarian approach one should seek to do the greatest good. An approach that gives the company a chance to change its unethical behavior internally would follow this idea. Having the ability to change practices internally before outside intervention can have many positive effects. The company is able to make the changes, reestablish its integrity, maintain business, and retain employees. The whistleblowing option brings in outside forces that could lead to repercussions for the company which may include restitution or even being closed down. If the business is closed it effects more than just the corporate entity, all of the employees are also negatively impacted by this as well when they would lose their jobs. Sometimes however, when the company is unwilling to change its practices and do business in a more ethical manner people are left with little choice but to report to outside sources what is occurring within the business. Many see whistleblowing as law-breaking when employees are contractually obligated to

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