Peter Botta had failed to have his proposal for a given program approved, although it was comparable to the one presented by Zang Wei. Such an ethical situation should be analyzed and addressed in a professional manner (Schwartz 18). Being the Ethics Officer at Success Investment, I would begin by examining the channels followed by Karl Malone before having the program approved. This strategy is appropriate towards revealing any form of malpractice or bias associated with the process. This understanding can then be applied to deal with Peter Botta’s complaints from an ethical perspective.
Notably, Karl Malone followed the right channels outlined by the company to ensure Wei’s proposal was accepted. Malone introduced the agenda to the right partners or leaders concerned with sponsorship initiatives at the Success Investments. The case indicates that Zang Wei received the first referral and established the required investment policy statement. This move led to the distribution of donations back to the targeted institution. Wei completed his responsibilities as Success Investments’ portfolio manager.
Botta argues that Karl Malone and Zang Wei had children in the school whose program was approved. He believed that some injustice or favoritism had been done. He points out that Malone should not have been allowed to act as the advocate for the request presented by Zang Wei. The important thing is to ensure the right channels were followed before the request was approved (Schwartz 64). Similarly, the factors leading to the disapproval of Peter Botta’s request should be analyzed carefully.
With this kind of information, it can be easier to come up with the best insights and determinations (Hasnas 279). Looking at the nature of the case, anyone in Botta’s shoes might be forced to believe that Wei’s proposal was approved simply because his supervisor was permitted to act as the request’s advocate. However, it is agreeable that the right procedures had been followed. The partners who attended the meeting resolved that the request should be approved.
With these insights, I would inform Peter Botta that both Malone and Wei had followed the right channels before the proposal had been approved. The fact that Zang Wei and Karl Malone had children in the targeted learning institution appears to be nothing more but a coincidence. Botta would also be encouraged to present similar requests in the future since the firm was on the frontline to support a wide range of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives (Hasnas 294).
This case shows that the application of various organizational policies was appropriate to resolve the targeted ethical dilemma. The consideration of different protocols and policies regarding the application and approval of requests is the best strategy to tackle every emerging challenge (Schwartz 91). This approach would ensure Botta was convinced that the complaint had been resolved amicably. The decision and approach would ensure there were no strained relations in the firm.
Works Cited
Hasnas, John. “Teaching Business Ethics: The Principles Approach.” Journal of Business Ethics Education, vol. 10, no. 1, 2013, pp. 275-304.
Schwartz, Mark S. Business Ethics: An Ethical Decision-Making Approach. Wiley, 2017.