A meaningful response is needed to at least two (2) of your peers. 1st students response A business situation where discourse ethics might work well may be a business that is on the brink of closing...

A business situation where discourse ethics might work well may be a business that is on the brink of closing due to funds or management. Business partners may decide they are no longer compatible. One partner may choose stay and fight to keep the business. On the opposing side the other partner may be ready to give in and sell his side of the business. Although partners are choosing different paths they are able to mediate and discuss concerns before it escalates. This helps the seperation run smoothly.

Both business partners are able to communicate effectively with each other which allows all opportunities to be discussed. The resolution of this specific situation is that the business partner that chooses to leave does not leave on bad terms. He is able to get his fair share of the business and they work on an argument so both parties are happy or content with the outcome. The positive outcome the previous business partner could still be a part of the business as an employee or consultant rather than an investor or owner.

2nd students respond

Discourse ethics is two or more parties opening a discussion on the best solution for a given situation. What makes discourse ethics unique is that you start with the problem, and work outwardly to find a solution as opposed to immediately defining something as right or wrong based on cultural ethics. The example in the textbook reasoned that a gift to a Somali client was culturally acceptable and expected given their low salaries. The American company was able to justify bending their company policy when the Somalian clients provided sufficient evidence that it was custom practice (and how much to gift). By using discourse ethics, these two parties were able to come up with an amicable resolution. Discourse ethics can be beneficial in many business scenarios.

One scenario where discourse ethics may work is when negotiating contracts with unions. The first step is to identify the stakeholders. In this scenario it would be the union members and the company. The second step would be to establish a language for discussion. Presumably in America it would be English. The third step is to establish a goal. The goal in this instance would be able to come to an agreement on a new contract. The fourth step is to define the problem. In this hypothetical situation, let's assume a sticking point for the union are wages. The union reps may come with comparable wages of other workers who do similar work in the area. The company may feel that profit margins are tight as it is and feel some concessions need to be made to justify the wage increase. The final step is to come up with a solution. Let's say that both the union and company agree that in return for a higher wage, new hire minimums will be reduced for the duration of the new contract. Now while this scenario doesn't constitute a disagreement of ethics, per say, as was the case with the textbook example; It is considered discourse ethics because a reasonable and civil conversation was had which lead to a peaceful and consensual resolution.