Union Carbide-Bhopal Disaster Case Study
Union Carbide-Bhopal Disaster Case Study
Read the case at the end of Chapter 1 entitled, “The Union Carbide-Bhopal Case” Chapter 1 pages 53-55 and answer the question at the end of the case and the one I ask for below. Prepare at least a one to two paged single-spaced response to the questions at the end of the case.
Please label your responses by the questions number 1, 2, 3. Use material drawn from the text to bolster your arguments. Support your contentions strongly. YOU MUST REFERENCE THE CHAPTER MATERIAL YOU READ in your case!! References to the actual case do not count.
My thoughts on this case:
I find this case to be an excellent way of:
1. Starting to think about your values. I have found that one of the most effective ways of fostering learning in ethics is to create a dynamic where class members are led to discuss issues and to share their values and beliefs.
2. Developing a greater awareness and appreciation of more ethical issues.
Often people are influenced by their circumstances to think narrowly about their own interests, or to dismiss views contrary to their own as harebrained, but when their colleagues express them, they listen and develop an appreciation for them. So think about what others might feel to get a broader view. This is where the additional resources I post below come in handy!
3. Stimulating the desire to learn more about ethics.
Bhopal-Union Carbide provides ample opportunity for stimulating thought about real issues: issues that are relevant and important to business and to professionals. As a result, people see the importance of learning more about ethics and making ethical decisions.
4. Exploring the following specific ethical issues, among others (things to help you as you go through your case answers):
Do businesses have responsibilities beyond what is prescribed by law?
Whose laws should apply, foreign or domestic?
Should businesses satisfy the needs of current or future shareholders?
Should businesses respond to the needs of non-shareholder stakeholders?
Should businesses subscribe to goals other than profit?
When/how should trade-offs between profit and safety be made?
What is the appropriate role for the company/for government?
Can a company get away with unethical behavior in far-away lands?
Who is to blame for the tragedy in Bhopal?
What can be done to avoid a recurrence?
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