Writing Assignment #1
Part One (50 points):
In the past, to learn about a prospective employee, an employer would often ask the candidate’s former employers for references. Today, employers may also conduct Internet searches to discover what job candidates have posted on their Facebook pages, blogs, and tweets. Many people, however, believe that judging a job candidate based on what she or he does outside the work environment is unethical. Among other things, these critics say that researching candidates’ social media posts invades their privacy.
Write 1-2 paragraphs arguing either (1) that it is fine for employers to do such searches and consider the information that is available on social media, OR (2) that it is unethical for employers to make hiring decisions based on what comes up in a social media search. Be sure to give at least 2 reasons for why you think #1 or #2.
We are going to begin discussing persuasive writing as well. To that end, I encourage you to write confidently and avoid language like ‘I think’ or ‘I believe’. If you say ‘I think the sky is blue’ you leave room for doubt, if you simply say ‘the sky is blue’ you sound confident of that fact.
Part Two (50 points):
Assume that you are a high-level manager for a shoe manufacturer. You know that your firm could increase its profit margin by producing shoes in Indonesia, where you could hire women for $100 a month to assemble them. You also know that human rights advocates recently accused a competing shoe manufacturer of engaging in exploitative labor practices because the manufacturer sold shoes made by Indonesian women for similarly low wages. You personally do not believe that paying $100 a month to Indonesian women is unethical because you know that in their country, $100 a month is a better-than-average wage rate.
Write 1-2 paragraphs explaining whether you would have the shoes manufactured in Indonesia and make higher profits for the company or avoid the risk of negative publicity and its potential adverse consequences for the firm’s reputation. Are there other alternatives? Consider the impact of the route you choose and short-term vs. long-term profits, as well as the ethical decision making guide
