Financial Gain or Ethical Erosion? A Case Study in Entrepreneurial Ethics

Kelly G. Manix; Ralph I. Williams, Jr.; Daniel Morrell

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Financial Gain or Ethical Erosion? A Case Study in Entrepreneurial Ethics

Kelly G. Manix, Ralph I. Williams, Jr., and Daniel Morrell

Middle Tennessee State University, USA

Volume 22: 2025 pp. 145-154: ABSTRACT

The purpose of this fictional1 case is to engage students in analyzing the ethical complexities that can arise in entrepreneurial business opportunities, particularly when financial concerns conflict with moral obligations. By evaluating leadership decisions to potentially default on payables owed to a loyal vendor during an acquisition, this case challenges students to identify ethical dilemmas, apply relevant ethical theories, assess impacts on stakeholders, and explore and identify alternative courses of action. In addition, students are tasked with considering how leadership choices may impact the firm’s ethical climate. The case seeks to facilitate critical thinking about how business leaders can uphold and maintain ethical standards while pursuing financial gain.
Keywords: ethical decision-making, entrepreneurship, strategic acquisitions, ethical dilemmas.