ConocoPhilips’s current CEO, Jim Mulva is a very competitive leader in the highly competitive oil industry. During the current economic downturn many industries saw a decline, but the oil business has only seen the demands increase while the price has increased as well. Mulva is currently faced with a big organizational change opportunity with a possible expansion into Alaska. Mulva feels there is a big opportunity for success in Alaska, but first change must be made in Alaska. He must also consider the values and morals of Alaska and make an ethical decision to create the greatest good in the greatest amount of people.
Jim Mulva has recently stated in a news conference in Alaska if the state can change their current tax law structure he will invest in the state and bring operations into Alaska. Jim is faced with an ethical decision and his leadership style may be impacted by his decision. Under this current economic downturn, many states could use the help of investors to help bring in some revenues and create jobs. With this ConocoPhillips expansion and investment in the oil fields of Alaska, the whole state of Alaska may benefit. Mulva’s leadership and decision making can create the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. According to the theological theories in leadership ethics the focus is on the consequences of the leaders actions. Mulva’s actions will create positive consequences in the state of Alaska.
Mulva is currently making a critical decision that exemplifies utilitarianism. This decision is balanced between the interest of his organization (ConocoPhillips) and the interest of others, mainly the state of Alaska in this case. With that being said the biggest impact on the state of Alaska will be the increased job opportunities. Mulva said “Change is needed first,” which is impacted by the tax decision. Once the taxes are cut ConocoPhillips will begin to invest in the oil fields and potentially increase production from 600,000 barrels per day to 1 million barrels a day. Jim Mulva was faced with an ethical decision that could have impacted his organization in wither a good or bad way. Do you think Jim made the ethical choice when he agreed after a tax cut he will invest in new operations in Alaska?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ConocoPhillips-CEO-urges-apf-4087536398.html?x=0&.v=1
Posted by: Sean Gremillion
Yes, I believe that Jim made an ethical decision when he agreed to invest in new operations in Alaska. After Alaskan tax laws were restructured, ConocoPhillips saw the benefits of expanding. According to the deontological ethical theory, if the company is growing successfully and could potentially help the state of Alaska by expanding, they have somewhat of a duty to invest in that state and do the right thing. Especially when both the company and the state can reap the benefits of the expansion and the teleological theory of utilitarianism applies since the decision creates the greatest good for the greatst number of people.
ReplyDeletePosted By: Christine Burklin
Jim did make the correct ethical decision. Under deontological ethical theory, he does have a duty to invest in Alaska and in the United States. Helping to create jobs is a always needed, but in this current economy, it is even more important. Also, his actions reflect his virtue-ethics and his character in wanting to help others.
ReplyDeletePosted by: Aaron Barton
I agree with Christine and Sean. I believe that ConocoPhillips is making a good decision to invest in operations in Alaska. It will provide both parties with new opportunities. Mulva is making a business proposal and if Alaska wants to turn them down, then that is their loss. Proposing an idea to another party with intentions to create an utilitarianism result is not an unethical behavior.
ReplyDeletePosted by: Genise Logston