PP UNIT II ESSAY
Part 1
Randstad Technologies’ code of ethics calls for the greatest rate of professionalism. Apart from just moral values, the code of ethics tackles a broad scope of topics, encompassing the way to address confidential details and the best approach of treating others (Randstad’s Business Conduct Code, n.d.). Every worker is anticipated to abide by the code of ethics while interrelating with fellow employees, customers, and the community. Moreover, the workers are supposed to avoid any kind of corruption, encompassing bribery and extortion. Although originating within the organization, the code of ethics is of interest to society, at large, and its infringement can lead to legal and ethical violations. The code of ethics is beneficial in balancing competing concerns and making the best possible decisions.
Part 2: Option 1
In their article, “The case of the pregnant adolescent”, Peltier, Hoover, Zarkowski, and Patterson (2011) demonstrate a situation where a minor female, fifteen years old, by the name Mary goes to Dr. Jones for usual dental care. It dawns on Dr. Jones that Mary is pregnant devoid of the knowledge of her parents. Moreover, Mary asks Dr. Jones not to inform her parents about the pregnancy. Though confidentiality appears a simple ethical responsibility to maintain, it could act as a basis of an ethical dilemma. Mary has asked the dentist not to disclose the pregnancy to her parents as it could elicit rage and hostility against her. However, the dentist feels that she has the obligation of letting the parents know about it as Mary is not legally dependent, her parents have to offer approval regarding her treatment, and it is their right to know of such an issue.
In such a dilemma, my decision will be to inform Mary’s parents regarding her pregnancy. Such a decision will affect both Mary and her parents. The moral principles that I will use to decide on that course of action are beneficence and non-maleficence hence disclose the issue without consent for purposes of enhanced care to the minor and her unborn baby. The case is intricate as it presents numerous ethical snarl-ups. I would use the theory of deontology and utilitarian theory to inform possible courses of action. The theory of deontology is patient-centered and asserts that I should act in accordance with the patient’s interests irrespective of the outcomes. The advantage of this is that the failure to inform the parents translates to abiding by the confidentiality principle and they will not treat her with animosity (Peltier et al., 2011). The disadvantage is that such a move could result in Mary’s insufficient or ill-timed medical and emotional care and financial and moral support.
Utilitarian theory resolves the best means and utmost benefit anticipated for the greatest number, which is disclosing the pregnancy to Mary’s parents. It will be helpful to Mary and her unborn baby if her parents are made aware of the pregnancy early enough as they will give the necessary care and backing in the course of the difficult stages before and after birth. However, informing the parents is breaching confidentiality and may arouse anger and animosity (Peltier et al., 2011). I feel that informing Mary’s parents presents the best course of action. This is because the parents cannot react in a hostile manner for fear of harming Mary and the fetus if duly informed. Even if Mary were from a family that deemed such a pregnancy intolerable, they could accept the situation with time for the welfare of their daughter and her unborn baby. It would be difficult to make that decision in real life due to the uncertainty of the response by the parents.
References
Peltier, B. N., Hoover, T., Zarkowski, P., & Patterson, T. (2011). The case of the pregnant adolescent. The Journal of the American College of Dentists, 78(4), 48-55.
Randstad’s Business Conduct Code. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.unglobalcompact.org/system/attachments/3830/original/COP.pdf?