Retaining the Injured Secretary: A Moral Dilemma

 

Title: Retaining the Injured Secretary: A Moral Dilemma

Introduction: The scenario presented poses a challenging moral dilemma for the corporation. The injured secretary, who has been with the company for fifteen years, has permanently lost the use of her right hand due to a car accident. With a tight budget and insufficient funds to hire an additional secretary, the corporation must decide whether to fire, lay off with compensation, or find a way to retain the injured secretary. To navigate this complex situation, three moral frameworks will be applied: Deontology, Utilitarianism, and the Rights Model.

Thesis Statement: In light of the loyalty, dedication, and limited employment prospects of the injured secretary, it is morally imperative for the corporation to find a way to retain her.

Body:

I. Deontology: Deontology is an ethical approach that emphasizes duty and adherence to moral principles. Applying Deontology to this situation, it is essential to consider the responsibilities and obligations of the corporation towards its employees.

The corporation has a moral duty to honor its commitment and loyalty to long-serving employees.
Firing the injured secretary would violate the principle of treating individuals as ends in themselves rather than as mere means.
Retaining the secretary aligns with the deontological principle of promoting individual autonomy and respect for persons.
II. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility. Applying Utilitarianism to this scenario requires evaluating the potential outcomes and weighing the overall happiness of all stakeholders.

Retaining the injured secretary would contribute to her happiness and well-being, as she desires to continue working.
The secretary’s termination or layoff with compensation may cause emotional distress, financial hardship, and a loss of purpose in life.
The corporation may also benefit from retaining the secretary’s institutional knowledge, experience, and loyalty, leading to increased productivity and employee morale.
III. The Rights Model: The Rights Model emphasizes the protection and preservation of individual rights and freedoms. Applying this model necessitates recognizing the rights of the injured secretary and balancing them against other considerations.

The injured secretary has a right to fair treatment, equal opportunities, and employment without discrimination based on disability.
Terminating or laying off the secretary solely due to her disability would infringe upon her right to employment.
By finding a way to retain her, the corporation respects her rights while also fostering an inclusive work environment.

Conclusion: Taking into account the moral frameworks of Deontology, Utilitarianism, and the Rights Model, it is evident that retaining the injured secretary is the most morally justifiable course of action. By doing so, the corporation fulfills its duty to an employee who has shown loyalty and dedication over many years. Furthermore, retaining her aligns with the principles of promoting autonomy, maximizing overall happiness for all stakeholders, and upholding individual rights. By finding innovative solutions and accommodating her needs, the corporation can create an inclusive workplace while also benefiting from her invaluable experience.