College of Business Administration

Seminar in Business Ethics and Social Institutions

Case Discussion Questions for July 29, 2004:

1) Which ethical framework represents the city employer’s view of the employee’s rights in this case?

2) What legal and/or moral obligations does the employer have to provide benefits? To whom?

3) What ethical frame represents Sgt. Michele Bang’s view of employee rights in this case?

4) Does Sgt. Bang have a right to the benevolent leave she is requesting?

5) Is offering benefits to same-sex partners tantamount to legitimatising the relationship? Should it matter?

6) Does the union have a moral/ethical obligation to its members? If so, which framework might best represent it?

7) Can the employer or the union define such a partnership when the state has no provisions or official registration system?

8) If such a policy is enacted, should then all unmarried couples receive the same benefits?

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