QBank offered Jen a substantial amount of money for the premises of her florist shop. However, this will all come at the cost of her two employees Diane and Helen losing their jobs in the shop. Therefore, it seems Jen faces an ethical dilemma, particularly because she promised her employees that she would keep them on. By looking at key relevant ethical theories a decision can be made that best suits Jens situation.EgoismWhen applying the ethical theory of egoism to this case, it can be assumed that Jen will accept the offer from QBank, as she ought to be motivated to act in her own self interests.
This is because, Jen benefits as her son will remain in an environment that will properly care for him, therefore putting less responsibility on Jen when considering her son’s safety and wellbeing. Also, Jen will be able to spend more time with her husband; therefore this may benefit both her and her family emotionally. In addition, she will be guaranteed a new job that will allow her to keep a sustainable income while she will also not have to waste time trying to obtain a new job. Thus, overall if she accepts QBank’s offer, then the outcome will have no negative effect on her personally, apart form the guilt that comes with letting Diane and Helen go.UtilitarianismWhen applying the ethical theory of utilitarianism to this case, it can be assumed that Jen will again accept the offer from QBank, as this will maximise the good of society. This is because, not only will it benefit her and her family as stated above, it will also benefit the local community.
Setting up a branch will be beneficial to QBank’s clients in the area, as it will be easily accessible and convenient because it is located right next to a train station and a major shopping center. Therefore, although Diane and Helen may suffer if Jen accepts the offer, a greater number of people are benefiting in the outcome of this decision.KantianWhen applying Kantian ethics to this case, it can be assumed that Jen will not accept the offer from QBank, as a sense of duty can be identified in relation to the process of making the decision. Since Jen promised that she would keep them on, she is breaking this promise if she lets them go.
Therefore, if such a practice were universal it would be senseless. Furthermore, while she has offered to pay them when her business is struggling, breaking this promise does not show respect for Diane and Helen, nor is it reversible in Jen’s favour. This is because Jen would not like to be on the receiving end of such action. Therefore, Jen would have to sacrifice her benefits to uphold these established duties.
VirtueWhen applying virtue ethics to this case it can be assumed that Jen will accept QBank’s offer. This is because according to Aristotle’s moral virtues, certain virtues can be identified when making the decision in the case. In the context of money, Jen would show magnificence, as her money would be spent appropriately when selling her shop. Also, in the context of wealth she would show liberality as she has already offered to pay them at half price, even though the shop hasn’t been doing well. Another virtue could be identified in the context of personal challenge, as it takes courage to let her close work employees go. Therefore, as these virtues are evident if Jen decides to sell her premises, this is describing what a ‘good’ person would do.
ConclusionIn conclusion, I believe that Jen would sell her premises to QBank and choose to follow the egoist approach. I came to this conclusion because as Hobbes argued, human beings are rational enough to avoid war of all against all, and so we voluntarily assume moral obligations to others because it’s in our own best interests. In this way, Jen is assuming a moral obligation to her son, husband and the community to benefit them the best she can, because it’s in her own best interests.
