Alice and Bob Are Utilitarian Engineers Working in the Oil

question 3

Multiple Choice

Alice and Bob are utilitarian engineers working in the oil and gas industry in Houston. They are currently seeking permission to drill for gas in Siberia, Russia. The only way to obtain all the required permissions, to which they are not entitled, is to bribe the Mayor of Krasnovgorod. Would it be ethically and legally permissible to do so?

• A) While it would certainly be illegal to bribe foreign government officials, this might still be the morally right thing to do, if the total consequences for everyone concerned would be optimal.
• B) It would certainly be illegal to bribe foreign government officials, and according to all versions of the utilitarian theory, this would also be morally wrong.
• C) The legal status of this act is unclear, but it would certainly be morally right to pay the bribe.
• D) None of the above (All answers are incorrect.)

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Definitions:

Equity Theory

A theory in social psychology that explains how individuals assess their own input-outcome ratios in relation to others, influencing their perception of fairness.

Consistent Unfair Treatment

Continuous and uniform unjust behavior towards someone or a group, which can impact morale and performance.

Emotional Labour

The practice of manipulating one's emotional states and expressions to comply with the emotional criteria of a workplace.

Job Satisfaction Facet

Pertains to the aspects or dimensions contributing to an employee's overall satisfaction with their job, such as work conditions, pay, and personal growth opportunities.