L01 QFD

1. It never really is 'okay' to lie in a business context. Though, through studying several business-
related ethical dilemmas, I could see why honesty may not seem like the best policy. A lie that is
intended to produce an unethical outcome by means of deceit or unlawful behavior should
always be avoided. Lying by omission is especially difficult to assess on the ethical scale
because the entire truth seems too much to bear. Inevitably though, in a business context, the
truth will most likely come out, and if you start with an ethical foundation and a sense for social
responsibility, speaking the truth can only help you in the long run.

2. Yes, it is fair to fire an employee who lies because lying is both a choice and a conscious effort.
A manager must ultimately look out for a business' best interest. Even if an employee is
pressured to lie from a superior, it is still on the employee to take responsibility for their own
actions.

4. Unfortunately in this money-hungry day and age, I would say 65% of people would lie. We're
surrounded by lies everyday wrapped in pretty packaging. I think some people prefer to be lied
to because they don't want to face the truth. When someone's best interest is at hand and it is
coupled with any type of gain, especially monetary, the face of man changes completely.

Response 1:

I found your post to be both interesting and a bit depressing as it shines light on reality. I believe people
don't know the difference between truth and reality. They tend to mix the two together to fit their own
needs. You stated that 'white lies' in the workplace are acceptable and help boost company morale. This
many be true but I can't help but to think that lies are lies are lies and they all stem from one another.
Perhaps if everyone was more honest and less sensitive to the truth, moral character could develop
from within and people would see that ultimately lying is an unnecessary evil. As I kept reading your
post, I noticed you touched on this, that people who lie in their personal lives are probably more likely
to lie in a business context. I'm glad you brought that up. As for your last response, 70% is steep and
terrifying. Though, my answer was 65% and now that I think about it, perhaps too high. To think that
70% of people would lie in a business context, how can you trust anyone? I'm glad you're one of the
30% with moral standards but inevitably, who can really answer hypothetical questions 'truthfully' ?
Perhaps those 70% of people who would lie were once just like you before something drastically
changed their moral character. Only time will tell.
L02 QFD

1. I am all for same-sex domestic partner benefits. My philosophy is live and let live. My opinion,
like everyone else, is driven by my upbringing and personal life experiences. I do not have
strong religious beliefs that persuade my decision one way or another, nor do I have any
concrete political views. I was raised to treat others how I want to be treated. What two
consensual adults do behind closed doors is their business and it makes no difference to me
whether they be same-sex or not. I believe same-sex partners deserve the same respect and right
to benefits as traditional married couples because they put forth the same amount of effort in the
workplace and the same amount of commitment to their family. To me, this is a non-issue and
I've yet to hear an objective (not driven by religion and politics) and reasonable answer as to
why this is such a dilemma. I can completely understand why people get passionate on this
issue, but I feel those emotions are driven from deep-rooted belief systems that blur the reality
of the situation. The reality is, the world is changing whether you like it or not and one cannot
expect strict traditional values to be upheld in an ever-evolving age.

2. I can't believe this is a real stipulation. Who does it benefit to know that I have sexual relations
with my partner? What does sexual relations have to do with having a meaningful relationship
that is more than platonic? I think this stipulation is outlandish and offensive. I think it's only
put there by self-righteous people of power who like to test their abilities at the expense of
others. There are far better and less offensive ways to verify a domestic partnership then
confirming sexual relations. An interview with family and friends, a glimpse into joint finance
ventures and a recap of the domestic partnership directly from the partners should suffice. I
don't understand how this stipulation isn't considered discriminatory if traditional married
couples don't have to answer the same question. A traditional married couple's relationship isn't
based on sexual relations. Why should it be any different for same-sex partners? The gay rights
movement is only going to get bigger and I think companies such as American Express and
IBM are going in the right direction by including benefits for same-sex partners. It's yet to be
proven that a person's sexual orientation and choices effect workplace behavior. A good
employee is a good employee and it's better for companies to realize that now and take
advantage of an opportunity to both diversify and improve company culture.

I'm glad to know that your mind is open to change and your perspective on homosexuality and gay
relationships has been improved through your new found friendships. Though, I'm very disappointed to
hear that you still don't support same-sex benefits. What do you suggest gay partners do instead? Stop
being gay? From your statement: “I believe it encourages people to be gay in some ways”, I see we
disagree on homosexuality being a choice or not. If a person is a productive citizen of the U.S. and
works equally alongside his fellow man and wants benefits for his family, what does it matter if that
family is different from yours. I understand the power of influence especially when it has been so deep-
rooted in your mind since childhood. Put yourself in your friend's shoes. You love someone for who
they are, not for their gender. If it wasn't a choice. Wouldn't you want the same benefits as your
coworkers? You put in the same amount of work, the same amount of hours and commitment to your
family. Ultimately, no one wants to spend more money unless it's on themselves. Perhaps you learned
this from your parents too. I enjoyed reading your second post more. I agree that sexual stipulations are
of no one's business. I'm curious if you've expressed your feelings toward homosexuality and gay
relationships to your gay 'friends'. I certainly don't want any 'friends' who feel my rights are inferior to
theirs.