Service to Customer - Manhunt 2: Killing for Kicks

Introduction

In the case, Manhunt 2: Killing for Kicks, Mr. Adeleke is faced with an ethical dilemma and needs to decide whether to sell Manhunt 2 video game in his media shop. The video game, though meant for adults, contains different shades of brutality that could have harmful effects on children. Based on his research findings which were triggered by a friend, Mr. Adeleke’s consciousness, on the harmful effect of Manhunt 2 and other video games on children, has been aroused. However, Manhunt 2 presents a good business opportunity and the video game line of business contributes a substantial percentage of profit to the overall business and could not be ignored.

While Mr. Adeleke may not be legally obligated to his customers or their children for the harmful effects of the video games he sold, an understanding of his ethical responsibilities to his customers is critical to resolving his dilemma on whether to sell or not to sell Manhunt 2 and other video games rated 18+.

Principles of ethics

Central to the principles of ethics in general and business ethics in particular is an attempt to help individuals behave in a manner that guarantees growth, success, worthy life and fulfilment. It is a guide to understanding what is worth desirable and what is not, what is part of business and what is forbidden in business, even when profit at stake. Ethics demands that we act in the interest of the common good of all and that we treat people fairly in all situations.

Warfare vs. Service Paradigm

By implication businesses owe their customers the responsibility of acting ethically in all transactions. A comparism between the warfare paradigm and the service paradigm illustrates how best businessmen are to relate with their customers. While the former seeks to extract value from the customer in all transactions at all cost, the later is in a constant quest to create value for the customer and thus ensures a win-win situation. Not only is the service paradigm ethically superior to the warfare paradigm, it also ensures success in business.

Boundaries of Service Paradigm

While service paradigm is ethically more acceptable in business, businessmen should be conscious of the following;

 Paternalism: Businesses should not attempt to be the conscience of each and every customer. Once the firm has used reasonable means to prevent customers from suffering harm as a result of its activities, it should respect the ultimate right of the customer to be the judge of what is in his or her own best interest.

 Collateral damage: Businesses are justified to accept the harmful side-effects that may follow from well-intentioned actions

 Self Defence: Firms are justified to take appropriate