• Discuss the extent to which the company’s action in this scenario was ethical.
• Explore the moral intensity and ethical principles relevant to this incident.
• What implications does this have on Team Members?
• In your opinion does this infringe on your personal time away from work.
Scenario
A large multinational grocery chain that emphasizes healthy lifestyles is recognized as one of the nation’s “greenest” companies, has generous employee benefits, and is perennially rated as one of the best places to work. Employees receive a 20-percent discount on company products. However, those who participate in the company’s voluntary “Healthy Discount Incentive Program” receive up to an additional 10-percent discount on their purchases (i.e., up to a total 30-percent discount). These additional discounts are calculated from employees’ blood pressure, total cholesterol (or LDL) levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), and nicotine-free lifestyle. For example, the full additional 10 percent discount is awarded to those who do not use nicotine products, have 110/70 or lower blood pressure, have cholesterol levels under 150, and have a BMI of less than 24. Employees do not receive the additional discount if they use nicotine products or have any one of the following: blood pressure above 140/90, cholesterol of 195 or higher, or BMI of 30 or higher. In his letter to employees when announcing the plan, the CEO explained that these incentives “encourage our Team Members to be healthier and to lower our healthcare costs.”
