Quality Management: Signing Off on a Substandard Product

Quality Management: Signing Off on a Substandard Product

Quality Management: Signing Off on a Substandard Product


Ethics is a great determinant in the sound success of a company in today’s world. Companies are often faced with the need to make decisions that although could prove profitable, may also be harmful. This paper seeks to explain the unethical practice in the case study: Quality Management: Signing Off on a Substandard Product; and, how to maintain or change those practices to ensure ethical practices in the company.

Post-graduation, Lauren entered the workforce as a quality engineer at reputable and respected technology company. Her job function required her to make sure the products met customer standards in the manufacturing process . A few months into her employment, the company struck a deal with a strategic consumer. The company was asked to design a device to be implemented into the consumer company’s product. When said product was created, it was Lauren’s responsibility to review the product to ensure that it was of quality standard. Lauren then determined that the product was not up to the standards upon which both companies agreed by a small margin. As a result of this flaw, Lauren directed this discrepancy to both her general manager and immediate boss. Both of her superiors instructed to continue with the production as the risk of failure was not a significant number to delay mass production and it could jeopardize the deal overall. Now Lauren is faced with the dilemma of whether to ignore the companies’ contractual standards or to tell upper management of the flaw.

Lauren must think carefully about the decision she will make as it will affect the relationships she has with her immediate supervisors and the company. The decision will affect the short-term productivity of the company, the deal made between both parties, and the long-term reputation of the company with whom she is employed. The decision will also choose between a good and bad alternative as a portion of...

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