After reading “Ethical Role of the Manager,” I was reminded of previous texts I have read about utilitarianism in ethics. In a prior class focused on business ethics, we explored various philosophical frameworks, including utilitarianism, the concept of seeking the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This idea has come up repeatedly in several ethics courses I have taken. Utilitarianism emphasizes the overall impact of a decision or action on a group as a whole, rather than focusing on the benefits or harms to just a few individuals.

This text is similar to the one I read before because it also explains the definition of utilitarianism and examines the key principles and considerations involved in applying this ethical framework. However, it differs in its focus, as it specifically applies the utilitarian framework to managerial decision-making. While the other text explored utilitarianism more generally, discussing the underlying beliefs and philosophical foundations, “Ethical Role of the Manager” narrows the lens to managers and the workplace context. It emphasizes the questions managers should ask themselves when making decisions, such as, “Who will be affected by the decision, and to what extent will the various parties be harmed or benefited?” This approach helps managers weigh the potential outcomes of their choices on employees, customers, and other stakeholders, providing practical guidance for ethical leadership.

Overall, these texts are not entirely different, but they highlight different aspects of utilitarianism. While utilitarianism is only one part of “Ethical Role of the Manager,” it is the aspect that drew a clear connection for me to the other text I had read. By examining the application of utilitarian principles specifically in management, this text deepens the understanding of how ethical frameworks can be implemented in real-world workplace decisions.

Waddock, Sandra. “Ethical Role of the Manager.” Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society. Ed. . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 786-91. SAGE Reference Online. Web. 30 Jan. 2012.