Introduction
To begin with it is necessary to mention that the solution of this situation fully depends on Joelle’s personal situation: whether she really needs this job, whether there is an opportunity to find another job, and what the reputation of the company is. The further events may be different and depend on these factors.
Discussion
On the one hand, the corporative secrets should be kept: otherwise, there is no chance to survive on the market among other competitors. Keeping of corporative secrets is often additionally paid, and highly appreciated among workers, however if these secrets touch upon the issues of the environmental protection, safety of life and health of the people who are not connected with the activity of the organization, it may be regarded as a crime against humanity. Mr. Espinal is a real criminal, and he does not clearly realize the danger to the environment which he imposes by dumping those leaking barrels into the lake. (Hafemik, 2002)
Originally, the saved money will be paid for further medical curing of the workers, who could have poisoned with the vapors of those dangerous liquids, or for curing Mr. Espinal’s children (if he has children) who could also ride their bikes near the rocky quarry.
Taking into account the Joelle’s mother is the editor in the local newspaper, this fact may become the matter of serious blackmail: Joelle may press him for further career advancement, salary increase etc; as such dumping is the serious crime. She may also claim for hiring specialists and utilize the chemical wastes, otherwise this information will be disclosed in the mass media. The only thing which is important to perform is to persuade Mr. Espinal that all the trump cards are in Joelle’s hands.
Ethical Issues
It has been emphasized, that dumping chemical wastes in the lake is the serious crime, and the whole response is on Mr. Espinal. The fact is that not only ethical issues are touched, but also the issues of health and safety, consequently Joelle will not perform unethical actions if she discloses these facts. (Lind, 2002)
Ethical principles which may be applied here is the mutual agreement. Unfortunately it will not be possible without blackmail, if Mr. Espinal had selected such a firm position. The matter of agreement may be not disclosure of the facts from Joelle’s side, and stop of dumping wastes in such a way from Mr. Espinal’s side. This compromise will solve numerous problems, however some students will lose their part time jobs. Another ethical issue is the destination of “saved” finances: it is hardly believable that every cent was spent for the development of the company, and personal benefits can not be denied.
Conclusion
The ethical issues in business may sometimes be violated; however, the frames of these violations may be strictly defined and observed. As for the regarded case, it is necessary to mention that there is no ethics in the actions by the boss of the company, as such negligence is not the wish to save money, but it is the pure crime. Consequently, Joelle may not be ethical towards the company and claim for justice.
References
Hafemik, J. J., Messerschmitt, D. S., & Vandrick, S. (2002). Ethical Issues for ESL Faculty: Social Justice in Practice. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Jensen, J. V. (1997). Ethical Issues in the Communication Process. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Lind, R. A., & Rarick, D. L. (2002). Public Attitudes Toward Ethical Issues in Tv Programming: Multiple Viewer Orientations. Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 7(3), 133-150.
Vesper, J. F., Vesper, K. H., Cho, B., & O’Rourke, J. S. (1995). Teaching Ethical Issues. Business Communication Quarterly, 58(1), 52