Case Studies
A CASE STUDY IN CHRISTIAN ETHICS: ETHICAL EVALUATION OF A JOB: WORKSHOP
By Randy White
Based on a true story
Tommy Slamdunk was an advertising executive in a major agency in New York. As a Christian, Tommy was committed to doing his work honestly and working hard "as unto the Lord." His wife and six children were proud of his accomplishments and thankful for the stability of their lives.
A large corporation engaged the firm to put togther a national campaign for their new product, and Tommy was given the assignment. They wanted different packages that would be appropriate for several different national magazines, especially including, as Tommy discovered, Playboy and Penthouse magazines.
Tommy Slamdunk struggled and prayed over the issue. His brow furrowed. He called his friend, John Paul, who was also a Christian, who counseled that he should, "Out of conscience, refuse to complete the project, even though this would seriously cast doubt on his loyalty to this employer, hinder his chances for advancement, or even get him fired." He called another Christian friend, Billy, who said he should to ahead and do the project with a clear conscience because, "You’re not responsible for how and in what magazine the ad is eventually used." He called yet another Christian friend, Jerry, who asked, "What are the other alternatives?"
Tommy Slamdunk was even more confused. All he knew was he didn’t like what Playboy and Penthouse magazines stood for, but also didn’t want to lose his job.
The phone is ringing. Tommy’s on the line. He wants to know what you would do. What will you tell him?
What Tommy Slamdunk Did:
Tommy went to the corporation and argued that placing the ads in Playboy and Penthouse wouldn’t really hit their primary target audience, would in fact, compromise the corporation’s image, and that their advertising dollar would be better used in other magazines.
The marketing director of the corporation listened, but disagreed, and decided that the original plan be implemented. Though Tommy felt bad about it, he designed the ads and continued on with his advertising firm.
How do you feel about Tommy’s decisions?
Written for InterVarsity Fresno’s Marketplace Study Group. Used by permission.
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