Question 1: WH Framework chart
1. W - WHO (Stakeholders):
Steven J. Trzaska
Management of L’Oreal
L’Oreal USA employees
L’Oreal S.A. (French parent company)
Consumers of L’Oreal products
Shareholders/investors of L’Oreal
Legal profession regulatory bodies (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, USPTO)
Society/Community
Future generations
2. H - HOW (Guidelines):
Adherence to professional rules of conduct
Compliance with legal regulations (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, USPTO)
Ethical decision-making
Integrity and honesty in business practices
Transparency in communication
Respect for employees' professional judgment and ethical boundaries
Consideration of long-term impacts on stakeholders and society
Question 2: Explanation of Stakeholder and Values
1. Stakeholder
Trzaska: Trzaska primarily reported to stakeholders who were associated with his role for being
the head of L’Oreal USA’s regional patent team and as an attorney. These stakeholders are
comprised of Trzaska himself accompanied by the legal profession bodies of regulatory, such as
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, USPTO and L’Oreal employees of USA. Trzaska's
obedience to ethical rules as well as professional conduct was intended to support the honesty of
the legal profession and at the same time ensuring the quality and validity of filing the patents.
Trzaska actions showcased the commitment towards ethical standards accompanied by legal
compliance, which not only prioritized the interests of clients but also the legal system and his
professional reputation.
Management of L’Oreal: L’Oreal’s management targeted on stakeholders who were tied to the
business objectives and performance of the organization, which included L’Oreal S.A., the
parent company, followed by the shareholders or investors, the consumers and even employees
of L’Oreal USA. The decision-making by the management was concerned around meeting the
international patent submission quota, which was determined by the parent company for
maintaining competitiveness and achieving business targets. The management was also were
concerned with the company’s financial aspects, the market position and its accompanied
reputation, which aimed to increase effectiveness and profitability. Therefore, it can be said that
the management’s actions indicated prioritizing business goals and even shareholder interests for
ensuring the company's success in the market.
2. Values Chosen by L’Oreal’s Management:
Efficiency: Management of L’Oreal has been found to prioritize efficiency while deciding to fire
Trzaska because of his refusal to file patents which were not meeting quality standards. They
aimed in optimizing the resources and for ensuring agreement with the global patent quota set by
the parent company, which is L’Oreal S.A. By firing Trzaska, they wanted to uphold output and
meet targets of business in a more efficient manner, thereby conserving the company's
competitive edge and financial performance.
Security: The management of L’Oreal’s may have respected security by protecting the
company’s market position and reputation. Trzaska’s denial to file the patents which did not
meet quality standards might have been seemed as a threat to the security of company, thereby
potentially jeopardizing its ability to meet company’s objectives and retaining market share.
Therefore, it can be said that by taking decisive action to fire Trzaska, the management aimed at
securing the company's position in the industry and at the same time protecting its long-term
interests.
Question 3: Self-reflection
1. Analysis with the WH Framework
The framework created an organized approach of identifying stakeholders and controlling
principles with respect to the ethical decision-making process. It helped in evaluating
systematically the ethical implications of actions taken by both Trzaska and L’Oreal’s
management.
2. Assistance in Decision Making
The WH Framework supports managers by showcasing the key stakeholders and responsible
ethical principles to be taken into consideration while making business decisions. It creates an
overall standpoint that includes not only short-term business goals but also wider societal
impacts and ethical considerations.
3. Types of Decisions Guided by the Framework
As a manager, the WH Framework chart will help in making decisions, which are related to
employee management by adhering to legal and professional standards accompanied by
stakeholder engagement and long-term strategic planning. It helps in guiding actions that
prioritizes ethical conduct, transparency and accountability within the organization.