Decision Making

Millhouse's "Framed" Decision

Millhouse framed his decision based on the quality of the product being sold and the extended payment plan option. The salesman sealed the deal when he stated that the future success of the company will cost less than 40 cents per day.

Alternative Frame Results & Factors

An alternative frame would probably result in delaying the decision to purchase the additional part or even a decision not to purchase the part. The alternative framework should be based on a discussion between Millhouse and his superiors, where he can obtain their views on the cost versus the need of the product. Purchasing a part that can cause the department to go over its budget can cause significant financial problems. Millhouse should also keep in mind the overall objective for the machine and the company. Is the part necessary? Will it enhance the machine's usefulness? Would the part be efficient and cost effective? These questions should remain at the fore front of Millhouse's mind prior to making a decision to purchase the additional part. To assist in his framework, Millhouse can conduct a survey by contacting present customers of the salesman's company who also use the same machine and have purchased the additional part. He can compare their company's use for the machine versus his company's use for the machine. If the use is similar, then the information he obtains can provide him with excellent factor in his framework prior to making a decision. Millhouse may also find during his research that the additional part may not be a required purchase and that the machine and the company's future success would be just fine without it.

Implications on Judgments, the Influences of Others, and Moral Considerations

Article 7 of the Universal Statement of Moral Obligation reads: "It is an obligation of those in positions of power and authority over others not to exploit their power and authority for personal gain." (Perkins, J. L., 2004). As one of the company's most valued employee's Millhouse is in the position to make judgment calls and what information he obtains can possibly influence his co-workers and his superiors to go along with whatever