Harvard Case - Jess Smith and the Design Firm
"Jess Smith and the Design Firm" Harvard business case study is written by Andrew C Wicks, Jonathan Neeley, Jenny Mead. It deals with the challenges in the field of Business Ethics. The case study is 2 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jun 15, 2010
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Jess Smith take a proactive approach to address the ethical dilemma she faces. This involves confronting the ethical violation, upholding the firm's values, and demonstrating ethical leadership. She should prioritize transparency, whistleblowing, and seeking guidance from trusted advisors while ensuring her actions align with the firm's code of conduct and legal obligations.
2. Background
This case study focuses on Jess Smith, a young designer at a successful design firm, 'The Design Group.' The firm is known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, values that are deeply ingrained in its organizational culture. However, Jess discovers that her boss, Tom, has been engaging in unethical practices, including inflating project costs and falsifying invoices. This discovery puts Jess in a difficult position, forcing her to grapple with her personal accountability, ethical decision-making, and the potential consequences of whistleblowing.
The case study highlights the complexities of business ethics within a family business, where personal relationships intertwine with professional obligations. It also explores the challenges of organizational change and leadership development as Jess navigates the ethical dilemma and considers the potential impact on her career.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of stakeholder theory, which emphasizes the importance of considering the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the community. Tom's actions directly violate the firm's code of conduct and corporate governance principles, potentially harming the company's reputation and jeopardizing its business relationships.
The case also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in business. Tom's actions demonstrate a lack of both, potentially leading to a loss of trust from stakeholders. Jess's dilemma underscores the importance of ethical leadership and the need for individuals to act as ethical agents within their organizations.
4. Recommendations
Confront Tom: Jess should confront Tom about his unethical behavior, expressing her concerns and highlighting the potential consequences of his actions. This conversation should be conducted privately and professionally, focusing on the ethical implications of his actions and the potential damage to the firm's reputation.
Document Evidence: Jess should meticulously document all evidence of Tom's unethical practices, including invoices, emails, and any other relevant information. This documentation will be crucial if she decides to escalate the issue to higher management or external authorities.
Seek Guidance: Jess should seek guidance from trusted advisors, such as mentors, colleagues, or legal professionals. This will help her navigate the ethical dilemma and understand her legal obligations and potential risks.
Consider Whistleblowing: If Tom refuses to rectify his actions, Jess should consider whistleblowing to the firm's leadership or an external authority. This decision should be made carefully, considering the potential consequences for her career and the firm's reputation.
Uphold Firm Values: Regardless of her decision, Jess should remain committed to the firm's values of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. She should continue to conduct her work ethically and strive to promote a culture of integrity within the organization.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following principles:
Ethical Leadership: Jess has a responsibility to uphold the firm's ethical standards and act as an ethical leader, even if it means challenging authority.
Stakeholder Theory: Jess's actions should consider the interests of all stakeholders, including the firm, its employees, customers, and the community.
Transparency and Accountability: Jess's actions should promote transparency and accountability within the firm, fostering a culture of trust and integrity.
Legal Compliance: Jess should be aware of her legal obligations and potential risks associated with whistleblowing.
Organizational Values: Jess should remain committed to the firm's values, even when faced with ethical challenges.
6. Conclusion
This case study highlights the importance of ethical decision-making in business. Jess's dilemma underscores the need for individuals to act as ethical agents and challenge unethical behavior, even when it means confronting authority figures. By upholding ethical principles and promoting a culture of integrity, Jess can contribute to a more responsible and sustainable business environment.
7. Discussion
Other alternatives to Jess's actions include:
Ignoring the situation: This would allow Tom to continue his unethical practices, potentially harming the firm and its stakeholders.
Confronting Tom privately without documentation: This could lead to a lack of evidence if the situation escalates.
Going directly to the firm's leadership without seeking guidance: This could lead to unintended consequences for Jess's career and the firm's reputation.
The risks associated with Jess's recommendations include:
Retaliation from Tom: Tom could retaliate against Jess for confronting him or whistleblowing.
Damage to the firm's reputation: Whistleblowing could damage the firm's reputation, even if the accusations are true.
Loss of employment: Jess could face job loss as a result of her actions.
The key assumptions of these recommendations include:
Jess's commitment to ethical behavior: Jess is willing to take a stand against unethical practices, even if it means facing personal consequences.
The firm's commitment to ethical values: The firm's leadership will take appropriate action to address Tom's unethical behavior.
The availability of support: Jess will have access to trusted advisors and legal professionals to guide her through the process.
8. Next Steps
Immediate Action: Jess should confront Tom and document evidence of his unethical practices.
Seek Guidance: Jess should consult with trusted advisors and legal professionals to understand her options and potential risks.
Escalate the Issue: If Tom refuses to rectify his actions, Jess should consider whistleblowing to the firm's leadership or an external authority.
Develop a Plan: Jess should develop a plan for managing the potential consequences of her actions, including potential retaliation and damage to the firm's reputation.
Promote Ethical Culture: Jess should continue to advocate for ethical behavior within the firm, promoting a culture of integrity and transparency.
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Case Description
Jess Smith, the recently hired director for the magazine division of a small contract publishing company in Manhattan, faces a dilemma when a client wants her company to produce images that go against Smith's personal beliefs. A project she inherited features pictures of a heavy metal band posing with anti-Christian and Satanic/devil worship images. A Christian, Smith finds these images blasphemous and also believes they promote behavior that is both pernicious to society and incongruent with her firm's mission. As the deadline for publishing the project fast approaches, Smith has to decide what to do.
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