Introduction
The case study is based on the experiences of Jack, a college student who is between his freshman and sophomore years of study and who works as a ticket collector at a local movie theater to help him save money for college. He is concerned that staff and top management are not adhering to the policy of no family and friends attending free movies where they work. They also devour the available soft drinks and popcorn without purchasing them at the cash register. Because higher management is complicit in the same crime, his employees are critical of his honesty in the workplace.
He contemplates inviting his friends and family to the event and taking advantage of the complimentary popcorn and refreshments, knowing that his fellow employees and management are doing the same. He argues that drinking soft drinks and eating popcorn will be less expensive and not be considered workplace theft. Ethical issues arise in virtually every workplace due to the frequency with which employees face ethical dilemmas (Maxim 125-150). Jack must think critically and maintain the company’s policy so as to uphold ethical conduct.
Issues and Parties Involved
The most critical issue that has to be addressed is that of ethics. In violation of the theatre’s established policy, personnel working in the theater, including top management, bring their families and friends to the movie without purchasing a ticket to the show. They also devour the soft drinks and popcorn available without having to buy them from the counter. However, Jack is the ticket collector and is responsible for allowing the employees’ families and friends to see the movies for free. Because senior management is participating in the same crime, his employees are critical of his honesty. He has taken up this work to save money for his future college education.
When it comes to ethics, the question is whether he should allow them to watch the movies for free and enjoy the beverages and popcorn to save money for his studies or report it to higher levels of management in an ethical manner. The parties engaged are Jack as the ticket collector against his employees and their family and friends, reflecting ethical conduct. The second point of view expressed by the parties concerned is Jack’s opposition to his college studies, displaying unethical behavior.
Analysis
Jack should base his decision on the terms and conditions of the work, which make him legally obligated to adhere to those terms during his employment duration. He might also consider prohibiting employees’ friends and family members from watching movies at no expense. This is not only because it is seen as stealing straight from the cash register but also because it is his responsibility to adhere to the regulations of the employment, which would, in turn, preserve the theatre’s funds. Take into mind that while eating soft drinks and popcorn may be less expensive per unit of time, the total cost on an annual basis is significant in comparison. Furthermore, Jack should think about reporting to upper management regarding the employees and top management to acquire the trust of the upper management.
The company’s standards specify firmly that all workers are permitted to see one free movie every day but are responsible for the entire cost of all concession products. It further prescribes that friends and family members of employees are not permitted to use this location. In this case, providing free admittance does not violate corporate policy, however, providing complimentary refreshments does violate company policy. Jack finds that most of the employees violate this regulation by bringing their families and friends to the movie without first requesting the tickets from the company. It is also stated that no one is exempt from this regulation.
As long as he is prepared to face the repercussions if something goes wrong and follows the written policy of his employer, he may either be safe or bring his friends and family and enjoy the movie regardless of whether he adheres to the stated policy of his employer.
It is said that higher management does not adhere to the policies in place. This will very certainly influence other employees. If high management is found to violate company policies, lower-level personnel will feel the consequences more acutely. Lower-level personnel will be the ones who will be forced to deal with the repercussions, such as firing. At the same time, upper-level management will somehow manage to survive the entire situation.
Jack finds himself in a predicament where he cannot stand up to senior management, nor can he afford to break company policy and risk losing his job. He also has to put money aside for his future studies. After informing senior management of the policy, it is wise to allow their families and friends to watch free movies while firmly prohibiting other workers from bringing friends and family to see free movies.
Conclusion
Ethical issues arise in virtually every workplace due to the frequency with which employees face ethical dilemmas. Additionally, when ethical problems are not addressed promptly, they foster a hostile work environment, making it more difficult for workers to perform to their full potential. For this reason, to maintain a secure and inviting workplace, employers must act appropriately when an ethical issue arises.
Work Cited
Storchevoy, Maxim. “Business Ethics: Moral Issues and Dilemmas.” Business Ethics as a Science. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2018. 125-150.