The Ford Pinto Case Analysis
Case Analysis
The Ford Pinto case is a well-known case that is often discussed in thecontext of business ethics. To summarize, Ford’s design of the Pinto’s fueltank was defective, causing fires if the Pinto was involved in even minorrear-end collisions. Ford came to learn of the defect, but the company failedto correct it; Ford then predicted, based on a cost-benefit analysis, that itwould cost more to repair the defect ($11 per vehicle, or $137 million total)than it would to pay for damages resulting from burn deaths, burn injuries, and burned vehicles ($47.5 million). Consider the Ford Pinto case in light of the who-how (WH) framework for business ethics.
Would Ford’s decision to forego repairing the defective design comply withthese ethical guidelines? If so, why? If not, then what actions should Fordhave taken to satisfy them? Explain your reasoning.
Your response to this question should be a minimum of 500 words. Cite anydirect quotes or paraphrased material from outside sources. Use APAformat.
