WRASSN-1

Please read the instructions, samples papers, attachments & proper format before proceeding with this.

Excerpts from A papers (assignment 4)
Includes excerpts from different papers (all earning As on the assignment)

Pat is the plant manager in one of ABC Company’s five plants. Her boss informed her in complete
confidence that the company will have to lay off 200 workers. Luckily, her job is not at risk. However,
a rumor is circulating in the plant, and one of her workers (who also happens to be an old friend) asks
her, “Well, Pat, what’s the word? Is the plant closing? Am I going to lose my job? The closing on our
new house is scheduled for next week. I need to know!” (citation removed)

FACTS

[This is a good statement of the facts because it is clearly, concisely, and directly worded.]

Should Pat disclose the information to her worker or should she keep it confidential? In this particular
case an ethical issue arises immediately from the conflict between a set of good values: honesty and
loyalty. Pat has to choose between being truthful to her friend or loyal to her company…

ISSUE

[This is a good statement of the issue because it describes WHAT the issue is and WHY it is an issue.
The sentences are also clearly, concisely, and directly worded. Note that the paper went on to discuss
in a bit more detail the difficulties presented by the conflict in values.]

[Note the use of additional headers. This is a good practice because there are multiple theories applied.
This helps the reader better understand when you are finished applying each theory. It also helps you,
as a writer, better organize your paper.]

ANALYSIS – APPLICATION OF ETHICAL LENSES/THEORIES

One method Pat can use to make her decision is the teleological, or utilitarian approach. The
Utilitarian approach requires one to evaluate the consequences to each stakeholder, and decide which
choice will produce the net greatest good for the largest number of stakeholders. In this case, Pat must
make her decision after considering the relative benefits and harms of each choice for all stakeholders.
(citation removed)

Utilitarianism

…Divulging confidential information to her friend will certainly affect her standing in the company, or
even cost Pat her job. However, Pat must consider what impact her decision will make not only on her
own or her friend’s job, but the continued prosperity of the many other stakeholders. For example, if
Pat chooses to tell her friend about the layoffs, then her boss might suffer negative consequences, such
as lost productivity due to time spent discussing the issue with other employees. Also, the company
could be harmed by negative publicity or the productivity of the employees could suffer. The company
could then be forced to close, and as a result, even more employees will lose their jobs. A greater
number of unemployed people will have an even more negative impact on the community by affecting

its entire economy.

Alternatively, if Pat chooses to lie to her friend, even through omission, then her friend’s well-being
will be adversely affected, as well as that of all the other workers who lose their jobs suddenly. Also, if
it became known that Pat had advance warning about the layoffs and chose not to divulge that
knowledge, the remaining workers will lose trust in Pat as a manager and become less productive. A
poor morale will also have far-reaching negative effects on the company because workers will become
less productive.

However, the problem with making a decision using utilitarianism is that …

[This is a good discussion of the theory because it defines the theory and discusses how it will apply in
the case, applies it considering all stakeholders, and discusses the criticisms of the theory in this
context. The paper provided much deeper analysis of the theory and application of the facts to the
theory as well.

The section was also clearly, concisely, and directly written. Citations were also provided but I’ve
removed those.]

……

The Golden Rule

The Virtue Ethics approach focuses on the integrity of the moral actor rather than on the rules or
consequences of the act itself (Treviño & Nelson, 101-102). Even though the virtue ethics perspective
considers the actor’s character, it is important to consider that character and moral motivations are very
much influenced by one’s community. In this case Pat can identify herself with two distinct
communities: her professional community (her boss and the company) or the broader community (her
friend, the other workers, and the other members of society as a whole). … [Note how the writer
conveys the ideas clearly with language that is direct and concise. The paragraph is easy to read and
understand.]

Virtue Ethics

[I eliminated much of this section. What is left is here to demonstrate clear and concise writing style.
Also, note that this is the extent to which you should define or discuss the theories being applied. Your
definition of the theory should represent ¼ of your analysis of the subject, while your application of
the facts to the theory should represent ¾ of your analysis.]

Categorical Imperative

CONCLUSION

[Your conclusion must weigh the evidence you presented above in your arguments and provide a
logical recommendation. Remember that this section is not the place to repeat your arguments but
explain why you rely on one theory or another (or all four, etc). This is why it is important to consider
the criticisms for each of the theories].

General Assignment Instructions

1. Format

a. Use Microsoft Word, 12 point font, times new roman, single spacing.

b. Use the format demonstrated in the sample paper called “Excerpts from A

papers ..” provided under Writing Resources in Blackboard for Assignments 1
through 3. This format incorporates the use of headers that distinguish the
different areas of thought within the memo.

c. Where using headers in Assignments 1 through 3, you must include these:

1. Facts
2. Issue

3. Analysis (note- this is where you may want to use additional
headers to further organize your thoughts)

4. Recommendation

d. Assignments 1 and 2 should be between 750 and 1000 words. Lastly assignment 3
should amount to 1400 – 2000 words. This is merely a guide. The purpose of the
guide is to help you understand whether you have thought deeply enough about the
topic. Your grade does not depend on the number of words written. However, your
grade will be affected by whether or not you have fully analyzed the issue and
fully supported your conclusion/decision. If you find that you are significantly
over this range of words, you should edit your paper so that your ideas and words
are conveyed in the most concise manner. This does not mean eliminating key
arguments. It just means editing your wording so that it is more concisely written.

e. Inside your document – DO NOT include any personal information inside your
document (such as name, CougarNet ID, etc). We will not remove this information
before submitting it for assessment.

f. Naming your document as follows: “Assignment [number]_last name_first name”

2. Submitting your assignment into the link in BB

a. Be sure your Word document is properly named first.

b. Upload your Word document into the Turnitin link provided in Blackboard.

c. You will be asked to provide a name for your document. Use the same assignment
title as your Word file name.

All assignments must be submitted using the assigned link in Blackboard. We will not accept
papers sent via email or delivered by hand.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your paper has been submitted properly AND on time.
When you properly submit your paper, you will receive an email confirmation from Turnitin
confirming your submission. If you don’t get this you haven’t completed the submission process
and you will not receive credit for your work.

3. Feedback and grades

Feedback is provided with help from RichFeedback (as discussed in the syllabus.) You may
access your feedback via Blackboard 10-12 days after the due date (give or take a day or so).
Your grade will be posted into the grade book thereafter. Your paper with feedback will be
returned to you in the same Weekly Folder where you submitted your paper.

4. Academic honesty (discussing the papers, cheating, and plagiarism)

All assignments, including this one, are individual assignments. This means that you are
prohibited from discussing any part of the assignment with other people. Your analysis and work
must be original. This means that you must use proper citations (and quotations, where
necessary) throughout your paper and may not submit a paper that you used in a prior class.

Papers will be analyzed using www.turnitin.com. This website checks your paper to determine
the similarity of your paper to other students’ papers, internet or book resources, and papers
found commercially on the internet. If your paper is sufficiently similar to another student’s
paper or other resource, you will be reported for violating the academic honesty code. This may
result in receiving a “0” grade for the assignment, points being deducted from your final points
calculation, and/or earning an F in the class or expulsion from the university.

Citations MUST BE provided for any information used or relied upon that is not your original
idea. There are plagiarism presentations posted on the course website. It is your responsibility to
review this to be sure you fully understand what constitutes plagiarism, how to properly
paraphrase and cite, and when to use quotations. If this information is not sufficient for you to
understand how to provide a proper citation, you may want to visit the following website: http://
www.uh.edu/writecen/Resources/GrammarAndDocumentation.php.

You may use MLA or APA or any other format as long as (1) you clearly identify that the work is
attributable to another source, AND (2) the original source can be easily located.

5. Grading rubric/chart

Assignments are worth either 50 (Assignments 1 and 2) or 100 points (Assignment 3.) Please
review each assignment’s grading rubric as each assignment may be different.

Written communication 50%
Critical thinking and knowledge application 50%

A B C D E

Written communication Written communication Written communication Written communication Written communication

Clearly arranged and
organized;

Professional tone (i.e.,
appropriate choice of
words for business
writing);

Sentences are easily
understood, concise,
direct, and effective;

No noticeable editing
errors;

AND

Paper follows
required
format.

For the most part…

Clearly arranged and
organized;

Professional tone;

Sentences are
functional;

AND/OR

Very few editing
errors.

In many places…

Confusing due to
unclear sentences or
paragraphs, and/or
lack of organization;

Many sentences are
overly simple or
needlessly
complicated;

AND/OR

Several editing errors.

In most places…

Confusing due to
unclear sentences or
paragraphs, and/or
lack of organization;

Most sentences are
overly simple or
needlessly
complicated;

AND/OR

So many editing
errors that paper is
difficult to read.

Wholly ignores
assignment
instructions;

Sentences are
incoherent
or nonsensical;

AND/OR

Paper is difficult to
read,
careless,
irresponsible.

Critical thinking and
knowledge application

Critical thinking and
knowledge application

Critical thinking and
knowledge application

Critical thinking and
knowledge application

Critical thinking and
knowledge application

Event discussed
represents most
pressing ethical issue;

Full understanding of
the ethical theories
discussed (including
appropriate discussion
of criticisms or
disadvantages of each
ethical lens applied);

Full consideration of
the issues and
application of the
facts to the theories;

Arguments and
sentences are well
supported and
rational;

Logical flow of
arguments;

Conclusion follows
rationally from the
arguments presented;

AND

Paper presents mostly
original thought (with
use of occasional
quotes, if
appropriate).

For the most part…

Full understanding of
the ethical theories
discussed;

Full consideration of
the issues;

Demonstrates a full
understanding of the
ethical theories
applied;

Arguments and
sentences are well
supported and
rational;

Logical flow of
arguments;

Conclusion follows
rationally from the
arguments presented;

Paper presents mostly
original thought (with
use of occasional
quotes, if
appropriate).

In many places…

Lacks full
understanding
of the ethical theories
discussed;

Lacks full
consideration
of the issues;

Arguments and
sentences are not
rational or
well-supported;

Arguments may not
be presented in a
logical order;

Conclusion may not
follow rationally from
the arguments
presented;

AND/OR

Paper has little
original thought
because most of the
analysis is from
quoted sources.

In most places…

Lacks full
understanding of the
ethical theories
discussed;

Lacks full
consideration
of the issues;

Arguments or
sentences are not
rational or well
supported;

Arguments may not
be presented in a
logical order;

Conclusion may not
follow rationally from
the arguments
presented;

AND/OR

Paper has very little
original thought
because most of the
analysis is from
quoted sources.

Most of the paper
remains unfinished;

Rambles incoherently;

AND/OR;

Paper has very little
original thought
because most of the
analysis is from
quoted sources.

6. Rubric interpretation

a. Most pressing ethical issue – You must describe the issue in 1-2 succinct
sentences, and then explain what makes the issue an ethical one. In other words,
what makes the issue an ethical one (as opposed to just a regular business
decision)? Considering this will help you determine the most pressing ethical
issue to be discussed (and provide a context for your arguments).

b. Arguments are well-supported and rational – You should fully define the ethical
lens/theory used, discuss it, tell how it will apply in the case, then apply the facts
to the lens/theory. Definition and introductory discussion of the theories should be
brief (approximately ¼ of your paper).

1. Application of the facts to the theories – This is the most critical part of
your paper and should consist of approximately ¾ of your paper. You must
consider criticisms to applying the theories. For example, what is a
disadvantage to using theory “x”? This is where making an outline can
really help to organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all of the topics
necessary.

2. You should include a brief conclusion after each lens/theory analysis. This
will provide the reader closure on your analysis for each lens.

c. Writing directly and concisely – If you feel that you are well over the suggested
number of words, eliminate what is not necessary to argue your points. Most
papers can cut out at least 100 words by eliminating unnecessary
words/phrases/sentence and still retain all of the arguments required to support
your conclusion.

d. Conclusion – This should directly answer the question you asked AND make
sense given your analysis. You should not restate any arguments here. This is
where you tell us your final conclusion, after considering the different lenses.

Page 1 of 1

Assignment 1

1. Task

You work in the Ethics Department for ABC Company (ABC). Your department is dedicated
to advising its employees about their ethical obligations in the corporate setting. All
communications you receive in this capacity are confidential.

Luke, an employee of ABC, comes to you with the following scenario and asks for your advice.
He wants to fully consider the situation. Your task is to advise him on all perspectives on the
situation. Below are the facts that Luke provides to you.

*****

Luke has been asked to work on a project that involves developing land recently purchased by
ABC to build an adult entertainment retail store. According to the plan, the land is located on
the corner of the neighborhood where Owen, Luke’s brother, lives.

Luke knows that as soon as the plans for the store are made public, property values for the
surrounding neighborhood will decrease significantly. ABC plans to publicly announce the
project one month from today.

Luke is concerned about his obligations of confidentiality to his company. However, Luke is
also very close to Owen, who recently told Luke that he received an offer to sell his house at an
“okay” price given the current real estate market. Owen is considering selling but hasn’t made
any final decision yet. He wonders if he might get a better offer a few years from now when
the real estate market improves.

What is the ethical issue, why is this an issue, and what should Luke do about it?

*****

For assignment 1, prepare a memo to the Ethics Department file that considers ONLY the
following two theories that are discussed in the ethics videos provided in Blackboard –
Utilitarianism and Universal Ethics (i.e., Kant’s categorical imperative).

You may consider any of the resources provided in Blackboard. However, it is advised that
you DO NOT consult the internet. Your papers will be graded based on the required resources
for BUSI 4350. Additionally, most of the accidental plagiarism cases have arisen from
students using internet sources and failing to properly cite the work used.

Finally, remember that Assignments 1 and 2 are considered “drafts” for Assignment 3, which
will require you to combine your analysis from both prior assignments into one paper.
Referring to your feedback on Assignments 1 and 2 will be important in preparing Assignment
3