The first brief, or research paper, is due this week. Assume the reader of your paper is totally unaware of the issues and you need to educate her in about 3-5 pages.

Ethical Dilemma

Disco Global is an online and technology systems firm based out of Atlanta, Georgia; the company has been steadily acquiring a significant market share for the last five years. Founded by Melissa Young and Brian Whitman, Disco Global’s current strategic goal is to penetrate international markets within the next three years. When Melissa and Brian first conceived of Disco Global, they envisioned growing a small niche company into one that served the widest market available, while they stay true to their professional values of corporate social responsibility.

Given Disco Global’s positioning, the company has been advised to make inroads into the coveted Asian market at this time. Both co-CEO Melissa and Brian agree with this strategy and have secured a local marketing team in Hong Kong to help facilitate their entrance into China’s marketplace. Henry Chee Wan, their liaison in Hong Kong, has developed a very tight plan that everyone agrees will promote Disco Global in a positive and efficient manner.

During the course of their work with Henry, Melissa and Brian learn some facts about working within the Chinese governmental structure that have given them a pause. In the company’s vision statement, Melissa and Brian specifically included a mention of freedom to obtain knowledge. As they learn more about China’s internet censorship practices, they grow more concerned that in acquiescing to the government’s conditions, they are moving too far away from their company’s original goals and ethical compass. Henry explains to Melissa and Brian that the internet is heavily regulated in China and that if their software or hardware was used with criminal, seditious intent, they would be liable for helping to reveal the user and culprit. Having their technology being used as filters for what Chinese people can read and hear seems contrary to the conception of Disco Global.

However, Melissa and Brian want to capitalize on the Asian market, and they agree that if Disco Global doesn’t bring Internet and technology services to China, someone else will. Melissa and Brian now have to decide which the best decision for Disco Global is: stay true to their stated values or their strategic plan?

Questions

1. Using consequential, rule-based, and character theories, evaluate Melissa and Brian’s options.

2. What should Melissa and Brian do? Why?