Shannon and Ian, Student Consultants, Chose a Home Construction Business

question 46

Multiple Choice

Shannon and Ian, student consultants, chose a home construction business as a client for a semester strategic planning assignment. Upon examination of the client's financial statements, the students discover that their client has been cheating the government out of several thousand dollars a year in taxes. Their client is a company owned by a couple who are in their late 50s and who have two children in college. Shannon and Ian are the only persons other than the owners who are in a position to know about this situation. Which ethical principle should guide Shannon and Ian in their decision whether or not to report the owners to the Internal Revenue Service?

• A)There is no such thing as "moral free space"-all ethical standards are determined by societal norms, and individuals have an implied social contract to live up to these standards.
• B)Few nations or cultures have common moral agreement on what is ethically right and wrong.
• C)There should be no absolute limits put on what actions and behaviors fall inside the boundaries of what is ethically or morally right and which actions/behaviors fall outside.
• D)Adherence to universal ethical norms always takes precedence over local ethical norms.
• E)Ethical relativism should always be adhered to before ethical universalism when dealing within boundaries of a country's culture and norms.

---

Definitions:

Self-esteem

The assessment or evaluation of one's own worth or value.

Perspective-Taking

The cognitive ability to consider the world from another individual's viewpoint, fostering empathy and understanding in social interactions.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, often directed towards people or groups.

Jane Elliott

An educator known for her "Blue eyes/Brown eyes" exercise, highlighting the impacts of discrimination and racism.