Case Study 1- Off Shoring
Deana is the Operations Manager for Mergeron, a clothing manufacturer with 200 employees based in a small town in the United States. Mergeron is known for its organic cotton clothing and has close ties with many local farm operations that produce cotton for the textile operation. While sales are up, the cost of cotton and labor in the U.S. have risen and Mergeron profits are declining. Deana has learned of a location in China that is known for its skilled labor in clothing production that offers a much lower cost alternative for labor. However, Deana cannot be assured that the cotton available in China is organically grown. She stops to think about the local farmers and employees in this small town…..but Mergeron needs to make a profit.
Select and apply an ethical principle/theory that Deana could use to justify off-shoring in Mergeron's case
Provide a counter-point argument, using a different ethical principle/theory to help Deana make a case for continuing production in the United States. Make a solid case for both choices based upon the principles, demonstrating how the theory/principle would be applied.
Once you have completed the point/counter-point, determine which ethical theory or principle is the best ethical choice. Defend your answer with supporting evidence, relevance of understanding your personal values framework, and sound logic.