Explain how ethical frameworks shape business decisions

Course Objective:  CO2. Explain how ethical frameworks shape business decisions.

Prompt: Acme, Inc. is a clothing manufacturer that employees 1,500 people in the state of New York.  Unfortunately, it has experienced two straight years of business losses and must increase profits in order to stay in business.  Acme is bidding on a contract with a major retail chain, and must come in as the lowest bidder in order to win the contract.  In order to cut costs, Acme is considering purchasing T-shirts from China from a company that is known for cheap labor and sweatshop conditions.   Clearly state the ethical dilemma.  Evaluate the scenario using the three ethical frameworks (utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics) that were discussed in the Halbert chapter in the lessons section.  Identify which framework resonates with your own line of thinking.

Instructions:  Incorporate the required readings, as well as outside research, and support your statements. All material used must be cited.