An Ethical Dilemma (Scenario)

question 77

Multiple Choice

An Ethical Dilemma (Scenario)
Max Proffit, director of research and development for NexGen Products Company, has learned that a new material has been developed in his department that will help reduce production costs without any accompanying loss in quality. He has discussed the potential savings with his two assistants, Angel Lee and Moe Gaines, as well as the vice-president of product development, Rush Onward. Angel has stated her opposition to the use of the new material because its durability and fire-resistant properties have not been fully tested nor certified by the company's third-party testing laboratory. Moe argues that the initial tests that their R&D department has run indicated minimal problems with both durability and fire resistance. Rush stated that he has been in several meetings lately where the need to increase earnings-per-share has been repeatedly emphasized by the company president. Rush has told Max that a decision has to be made within the week about the use of the new material in NexGen's products.
-If Max approves the use of the new material because of perceived pressure for the need to help increase earnings-per-share,despite the fact that the material has not yet been certified,he probably ________.

• A)has high ego strength
• B)has an internal locus of control
• C)has an external locus of control
• D)has a utilitarian view of ethics

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Definitions:

Behavioral Economics

A field of economic research that analyzes how psychological, social, cognitive, and emotional factors affect economic decisions of individuals and institutions.

Ultimatum Games

A type of game in experimental economics where two players interact to decide how to divide a sum of money; one proposes the split, and the other accepts or rejects it.

Endowment Effect

A psychological phenomenon in which people assign higher value to things merely because they own them.