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Hi All,

I am soliciting interest from my two ethics courses regarding the "Chairman's Flight" regarding UAL and The Port Authority.

It seems that it is a good discussion of utilitarianism vs. deontology, in the sense that from a purely profitability standpoint, doing this might have been a good idea.  From a deontological standpoint, we (as a nation) don't like extortion and bribes.

So – question.  Can anybody provide some potential rewards to offer students for their involvement?  I have limited (if any) money to offer.

Thanks,

Scott

Scott Jeffrey, Ph.D.

Department of Management and Decision Sciences

Leon Hess Business School

Monmouth University

(732) 263-5519 (x5519 on campus)

http://drscottjeffrey.com

sjeffrey@monmouth.edu

I think it is sufficient reward for your students to acquire the life lesson that this case offers.  As is true with most Utilitarian arguments offered to justify taking a questionable course of action, how much weight one accords to the costs/benefits analysis depends on whether one is taking a short-term view vs. a long-term view -- that is to say, whether short-term profits (and perhaps the bonus generated from a very profitable quarter in which one meets or exceeds projections) are worth the long-term costs associated with loss of brand equity.

Trying to buy back a reputation once lost can be a very expensive (and futile) endeavor.  Look at VW and the loss of consumer confidence that has resulted from VW faking meeting the emissions standards with their 'hybrid' vehicles.  Now VW is in the  midst of paying $1,000 per customer to attempt to re-establish itself as a reputable  company and regain customer loyalty.

Gwen