Social Responsibility and Issue Intensity (Scenario)

question 135

Multiple Choice

Social Responsibility and Issue Intensity (Scenario)
Rick is president of a company that manufactures secondary wood products for the construction industry. Recently, there have been many reports of a plywood sub-flooring product that has been failing in a number of commercial locations, resulting in several complaints about ruined floor coverings and, in one instance, the partial collapse of a floor, which injured three people. The manager of research and development has asked marketing to stop selling the product while he runs some tests to determine the source of the problem. However, third-quarter earnings reports are due out in two weeks and public knowledge of problems concerning this lucrative product are likely to delay the financing of the company's expansion plans and cause stock prices to tumble. Rick has a dilemma. Should he continue to sell the product and delay research efforts in order to maintain the expansion plans, but risk causing more damage and injury? Or should he immediately stop sales of the product and run the necessary tests, thereby placing the expansion plans at risk and causing potential losses for the company's shareholders?
-The other managers also agreed that the flooring product was likely to fail again,resulting in further injury.This relates to which determinant of issue intensity?

• A)proximity of victims
• B)immediacy of consequences
• C)probability of harm
• D)concentration of effect

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Definitions:

Projection

A psychological defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.

Sounding Board

An individual or group used to test out ideas or opinions to gain feedback or insights.

Hands-on Experience

Direct involvement in performing tasks or activities, providing practical experience rather than theoretical knowledge.

Auditory

Pertaining to the sense of hearing, including the abilities to hear, listen, and process sounds.