Ken Martin is an engineer with a multinational aerospace firm that produces a je
ID: 2493163 • Letter: K
Question
Ken Martin is an engineer with a multinational aerospace firm that produces a jet engine widely used by airplane manufacturers. Ken recently became aware of a potential defect in an engine part. As the lead engineer responsible for the part, Ken required tests be performed to ascertain the conditions under which the part might fail. The results of the tests indicate that at low temperatures a critical seal may crack, possibly allowing fluids to leak into other portions of the engine. Although the risk of such a leak is very low, the consequences are potentially disastrous. What options are available to Ken? 2.Does the company have an ethical responsibility to fix the part? Why or why not? 3.Should the company consider the estimated cost of fixing the part in its ethical decision-making process? Why or why not?
Explanation / Answer
Ken has the following options: 1. Do nothing and do not inform anyone about the finding. 2. Take actions to rectify all the engine parts under production. 3. Rectify engines under production and recall all the planes having the faulty seal. after taking the matter to the mangement and warning them about the potential disaster that may happen if mitigating action not taken.
2.As Ken has found that the failure of the seal may lead to disastrous situation Ken and the Company has the ethical responsibility to arrange for the recall and replacement of the seals. Though the chance of failure may be less , but in case of failure the risk is immense. As the jet engine manufacturer cannot play with the life of passengers of airplanes , it is their moral responsibility to fix the defect before any disaster happens.
3. In such crucial matters of safety the cost of fixing the part must not be considered for ethical decision making. There is no other ethical option but to fix the part at any cost. The safety of passengers should be above any cost, it is also a matter of reputation for the company that cannot be put into stake.
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