Utilitarian and Deontological Theory Drug Testing Essay Example For Students

Utilitarian and Deontological Theory Drug Testing Essay Ramona D. Jones Utilitarian and Deontological Theory Drug Testing ETH 501 TUI University Abstract Drug testing is becoming a standard practice is the workplace. Companies are finding that by conducting random drug testing of their employees it amounts to huge long term savings for the company. There are several benefits for companies that conduct drug testing. Companies have a legal obligation to ensure a safe work environment to all employees, and implementation of drug testing assures this. The utilitarian would argue companies’ have an ethical and moral obligation to protect the rights of the larger populous by enforcing drug testing. Deontologists are wedged in the middle on this issue. Companies that engage in drug testing must outline the requirements of drug testing to their employees. Utilitarian and Deontological Theory The federal government and many companies have adopted policies regarding the use of drugs, as well as instituting a variety of drug screening, control, and rehabilitation programs (Ethical aspects of, 2006). Drug testing is becoming a standard practice in the workplace. Companies are finding that by conducting random drug testing of their employees it amounts to huge long term savings for the company. There are several benefits for companies that conduct drug testing. Substance abuse can be a significant problem in the workplace, contributing to impaired productivity and job performance, increased accidents and injuries, violations of security, theft of company property, and diminished employee morale (Ethical aspects of, 2006).. There are many that would argue their right to physical privacy is being violated by being subjected to these test, and for some that feel strongly they’re willing to be fired to stand their ground. I offer to these individuals to try riding shotgun in a car with someone high on cocaine as I once was forced to, and ask would they want this type of individual setting in the cubicle next to them. The reality is that America has a blase demeanor about drugs. Dappling at sampling drugs is unfortunately becoming standard in American society. With this type of culture it’s understandable that companies are being forced to conduct drug testing. The utilitarian would argue companies’ have an ethical and moral obligation to protect the rights of the larger populous by enforcing drug testing. Companies have a legal obligation to ensure a safe work environment to all employees, and implementation of drug testing assures this. The potential of incurring the negatives consequences of absenteeism, theft, and potential violence in the workplace assures drug testing will remain a cost effective tool for companies. Companies that engage in drug testing must outline the requirements of drug testing. The utilitarian would offer to those employees that feel that their physical privacy is being violated that they have the option to apply to workplaces where drug testing isn’t mandated. The greater good is to protect the safety of the majority of employees. Deontologists are wedge in the middle on this issue. One they would argue one shouldn’t be concerned of any violent consequences that would ensue from the recreational use of drugs. On the flipside of the coin would be the obligations one has to live up to their responsibility of the law, and the obligations of employee agreement would violate deontological principles. To partake in drugs would be a clear violation of these legal obligations. While drug testing may appear to be in violation of physical privacy one should have the right to do as they desire in the privacy of their own domicile. Taking on employment places ones action into question if they’re actions can lead to the harm of unsuspecting bystanders like those customers and co-workers. Deontologist may want to argue the point of privacy and advocate that it’s immoral and unethical to do drug testing, but would they ride on a plain with someone high on cocaine? References Ethical aspects of drug testing. (2006). Retrieved from http://www. acoem. org/guidelines. aspx? id=722