'Arguments for and against using Utilitarian principles Essay\r'

'Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that proclaims that the mor altogethery right course of operation in any given situation is the superstar that produces the greatest amount of pleasure over cark for everyone affected (Ferrell, Fraedrich & angstrom;Ferrell 2008).\r\nThis is evident in disdain finish making processes done by analysts, legislators and managers, for exemplar on deciding to invest resources in earthly concern project, to minimize appeal by victimisation inappropriate labors and much(prenominal). Thus, the argument on whether utilitarian principles should be utilize in workplace practices is highly debated as it carries both pros and cons.\r\nFirst and foremost, utilitarianism in an organizational context â€Å"provides a clear and straightforward basis (Shaw, Barry & Sansbury 2009, p67)” for maturation and testing guidelines and protocols. Pain and pleasure is graded in a scale of continuum to measure intensity of the feeling (Burns 2005).\r\ nAs such, organizations can utilize this to derive heading finalitys, as the approach uses quantitative resoluteness oriented method, and calculates comprise and benefit of the consequences of all(prenominal) possible alternate(a)s. For instance, a departmental manager ordered to cut cost in his department may revise all employees’ salary in the interest of obtaining higher utility(prenominal) for all parties rather than lay off just about staff.\r\nSecondly, utilitarianism enables an unbiased approach of decision making, thus a way to resolve conflicts involving self-interest (Mill, 1863). This approach requires the decision maker to take the standpoint of an impartial tierce party and give equal weightage to everyone’s interest. As such, the outcome of the decision will non be influenced by self interest and chances of negative moment to all individual are minimized. This is advantages, as incidents such as Bhopal Disaster that killed 20000, as a result of poor maintenance to minimize cost for the shareholders, could be evaded.\r\nMoreover, utilitarianism is a comprehensive and flexible method as it looks at the end results of actions and takes into love the complexity of\r\nthe plenty (Burns 2005, p46). All ramifications, regardless whether they are direct, indirect, eagle-eyed precondition or short term, are taken into key out especially in situations that may have long term environmental and health implication.\r\nThus using utilitarianism, organizations can reach â€Å"realistic and workable example decisions (Shaw, Barry & Sansbury 2009, p67)”. Nonetheless, there are criticisms against the utilitarianism approach as it is difficult to determine and account for all predictable benefit and harm of every possible alternative (De George 2013, p48). This is because we cannot know the full implication of all actions in the long term, nor can we accurately estimate the disturb and pleasure of future consequences resu lting from these actions.\r\nFor example, a drug that was released into market place after thorough query and careful consideration of benefit over harm, could have undiscovered lethal side effect that could manifest many years later. However, due to limited technological advancement when the research was conducted, this potential harm and its intensity may not be identified accurately during initial cost and benefit analysis.\r\nFurtherto a greater extent, utilitarianism is a teleological theory that looks at the end result itself rather than action. As such, it isn’t concerned with how the utility is achieved and even morally pitiful actions such as theft and murder could be considered ethically right as long it produces more utility (Shaw, Barry & Sansbury 2009, p68)”.Moreover, the theory, though theoretically plausible, is not applicable in real life situations in which individuals are required to make decision within minutes and could not possibly conside r all alternatives and their implications.\r\nIn conclusion, utilitarianism though highly applicable to workplace, should be practiced with caution as it also has weaknesses resembling any other theory. As such, the individuals in decision making position, should be aware of potential biases and shortcomings of practicing utilitarianism and essay to diminish the negative implications.\r\nReference List\r\nBurns,J 2005, â€Å" pleasure and Utility: Jeremy Bentham’s Equation” Utilitarianism Resources. P46,accessed\r\n27/08/2013, http://www.utilitarianism.com. De George, R 2013, Business Ethics, Pearson/Prentice Publication, New Jersey. Ferrell,O , Fraedrich, J& Ferrell,L 2008, Business Ethics : Ethical Decision devising and Cases ,South- Western Publication, Mason. Mill, J 1863, Utiilitarianism , Utilitarianism Resources. Accessed 27/08/2013, http://www.utilitarianism.com/mill2.html. Shaw,w, Barry,V & Sansbury,G 2009 clean-living Issues in Business, Cengage L earning Australia, South Melbourne.\r\n'