Is It Ever Ok to Break a Promise?

Option D:  Case Brief 

By: Neha Pokharna

Case: Is It Ever Ok To Break a Promise?

Questions as per syllabus for the case:

1. What issues are raised for Sameer? For Anil? For CloudSkim?
2. How do each of the parties to this dilemma feel/think about their decision?
3. What should Sameer do?

Case Brief:

This case is a classic example of normative ethics. It has elements of consequentialism, as I feel Sameer is concerned about maximizing good for himself and Anil is concerned about maximizing good for the organization.

Sameer wanted an MBA degree to move further in his career and transition to a management position. Since getting an MBA is very expensive, he wanted Anil to sponsor it. Here Sameer is being consequentialist as he is pursuing his own self-interest. But Anil, CEO of BABA, was reluctant to sponsor it. So, Sameer very fervently assured Ioana, VP Operations, about his commitment of returning to the company after getting the MBA. However, he received an offer from CloudSkim, which apparently was his dream job, while Anil and Ioana were still waiting for him to return back to BABA. He feels confused about this dilemma, but he is also very excited about the new job opportunity with CloudSkim.

On the other hand, Anil doesn’t believe in sponsoring for MBA as he thinks it is important for the employees to “get their hands dirty” and he gives them the training they need for the job. Here Anil is displaying consequentialist behavior as he is looking for the best for his organization. He also had a bad experience with one senior manager who took a loan for executive program but left BABA. However, Ioana convinces him about sponsoring Sameer as Sameer had been a consistently high performer at BABA. Anil believes that Sameer will return back to them after his MBA as they are paying a much higher salary as well as covering the MBA tuition cost. Anil/Ioana believe in standing by your words. Ionna had been approached by many head-hunters throughout her career. But she stood by her word to her company and wasn’t tempted by these offers.

Lastly, CloudSkim, a startup in Silicon Valley with some serious VC backing, was really impressed by Sameer’s credentials and are willing to cover his MBA tuition along with twice his salary at BABA. They want a quick decision from Sameer and are hoping he will join them because of these great perks.

Sameer is in a very tricky situation where on one hand he has the dream-job and on the other hand he has his words of commitment. I feel Sameer should look at deontology ethics elements i.e. his duties and rights towards Anil/Ioana and his old organization. He should be virtuous and stick with his old job at BABA because he has given his word, he likes the job and he will get to work for the managerial side. Combining these factors, I feel if Sameer stays with his old organization BABA, he will gain the respect of his colleagues and bosses and will also rise in his own eyes thereby increasing his self-respect. This will actually help him to progress in his career and climb the corporate ladder.