Other, Ethics Case Case Study Sample

Campaign Spending

Despite being allowed to spend as much as he can because there are no spending limits, James should limit his spending to be fairer to Alix who is disadvantaged in terms of spending. James himself understands that he does not have to win the election by virtue of renting the Mercedes Benz cars to ferry students across campus on the Election Day. This less spending will also be an act of fairness in the campaign.
If James wins, I think it is not because he is the most qualified candidate, but because he ran the most effective campaign. He admits that he understands the leadership and managerial skills of Alix. In addition, he acknowledges that Alix is passionate about the work, and for this reason, she can be an elemental leader. Nevertheless, James also needs the position and his plan is to conduct the most effective campaign, which for him includes the sports cars. Therefore, his victory will be because of having conducted an effective campaign and not his qualifications.
If I were in James position, I would reduce my spending but still maintain the most effective campaign. Campaigns are an opportunity for people to use their power and skills to entice people into voting for them. Therefore, it is largely dependent on the influence an individual has on others.
Of the four ethical principles, fairness approach is most relevant to this case. This approach posits that all ethical actions treat all individuals equally, or fairly if unequally based on a given defensible standard. The defensible standard in this case is the financial background where James is the advantaged. Therefore, he has to treat Alix fairly based on this standard.