Catalina works for a regional sales branch of a large pharmaceutical company. Individual employees as well as the entire branch receive incentive packages if they reach certain sales goals. If a sales rep meets his or her individual goals, he or she receives a large bonus check at the end of the year. Likewise, if all the sales reps meet their goals, the entire branch receives brand new equipment, vacation packages, and larger bonuses.

It is two weeks until the end of the fiscal year, when reps report their sales. Every sales rep in the branch has met his or her individual sales goal, except Catalina; she is three sales short. A friend encourages her to report three additional sales and then, come next year, report that three of her sales had been cancelled. “There’s a loophole in the company policy that makes it so they can’t take away your bonus after you’ve already received it,” her friend tells her. “Plus, if you don’t meet your goal, none of us get new equipment or vacation. You’ll ruin it for all of us!” Should Catalina report and then cancel those three sales so she and her coworkers can receive their bonuses?
Determine the ethical course of action for the following three scenarios from the perspective of each of the three philosophical approaches: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Then, complete the matrix below by writing a few sentences stating the ethical course of action and the reasoning from that approach’s perspective. Clearly differentiate the reasons for each of the three approaches.

Consequentialism:

According to consequentialism, the ethical course of action is determined by the consequences or outcomes of an action. From a consequentialist perspective, Catalina should report and then cancel those three sales to ensure that everyone in the branch receives their bonuses and incentives. This is because the potential positive consequences, such as the branch receiving new equipment, vacation packages, and larger bonuses, outweigh the negative consequence of Catalina having to report false sales in the following year.

Deontology:
Deontology is an ethical approach that focuses on adhering to moral duties and principles regardless of the consequences. From a deontological perspective, Catalina should not report and then cancel those three sales because it is a violation of honesty and integrity. Even if it means potentially ruining it for everyone else, Catalina has a duty to be truthful and abide by the company's policies and goals.

Virtue Ethics:
Virtue ethics emphasizes moral character and virtues. From a virtue ethics perspective, Catalina should not engage in deceitful actions by reporting and canceling false sales. Instead, she should strive to uphold the virtues of honesty, integrity, and fairness. Acting virtuously means doing the right thing, even if it means not receiving bonuses or incentives, and not compromising one's moral character.

Ethical Course of Action:

Consequentialism: The ethical course of action is for Catalina to report and then cancel those three sales. The potential positive consequences of everyone in the branch receiving bonuses and incentives outweigh the negative consequence of dishonesty.

Deontology: The ethical course of action is for Catalina to not report and cancel those three sales. It is her duty to be truthful and abide by the company's policies, even if it means potentially not receiving a bonus and affecting others.

Virtue Ethics: The ethical course of action is for Catalina to not engage in deceitful actions and to uphold the virtues of honesty, integrity, and fairness. Even if it means not receiving bonuses or incentives, acting virtuously is more important than compromising moral character.