Ethics

Paper Summary:

The writer describes how the ethical dilemma arose when an investigative reporter discovers a threat of legislation against a motor company for unfairly terminating an employee. The motor company has bought a large amount of advertising space at the newspaper where the said reporter works. The writer describes that the stated policy of the company is to remain non-partial in its hiring and termination of employees. The paper shows that the employee claims that he was mistreated and subsequently terminated because of his race and religion. However, the writer reveals the reporter's claims that the employee had been caught stealing money from the company's cash box. This article discusses the problem that arises as a result of the company's refusal to allow newspaper reporting regarding the matter. The writer shows that if the reporter were then to write about the matter, it constitutes a conflict of interest with an advertiser.

From the Paper:

"The reporter in question brought the matter to the attention of the editor, who contacted the human resources manager to discuss the matter. It was decided that it was in the paper's best interest to pursue the story. The policy of the Weekly Herald is clearly that reporting should be honest, current and impartial. If any place of business is guilty of misconduct with regard to its employees, readers have the right to know about it. Furthermore, in the intensely competitive world of reporting, it would serve the paper well to bring fully investigated, truthful and timely material to the reader. Waiting for the angry employee to go to the press with the story would be unfair both to the paper and to its readership. Firstly, the Weekly Herald would prove untrustworthy in terms of newsworthy items and secondly, it is likely that the objectivity of the story would be compromised."

More papers on Ethics :

• Analytical Essay # 146083 : "Ethics in the Corporate Field"
• Term Paper # 125415 : "Ethics Program and Monitoring System"
• Case Study # 111993 : "Business Ethics"
• Essay # 85127 : "Ethics"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: