Ethical Dilemma in the Age of Automation: A Case Study of Leadership, Loyalty, and Organizational Change

Authors

  • Jamak Amrollahifar Alfa university College, Malaysia
  • Guo Yajie School of Management, Guangzhou College of Technology and Business, China
  • Tarekol Islam Maruf Department of Business Management and Technology, Alfa University College https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8949-4689

Abstract

This case study explores the ethical and emotional challenges faced by a senior technical engineering leader, Mr. Jason, in a manufacturing company in Miami, USA. With over two decades of service, Jason is tasked by top management to propose cost-saving solutions amid financial pressure and the advent of automation. His solution involves reducing manual labour through automation—yet it creates a moral dilemma, as his recommendation could lead to job loss for his close friend and long-time co-worker. This case highlights the human side of technological transitions and invites discussion around ethics, leadership responsibility, and strategic decision-making.

Author Biography

Tarekol Islam Maruf, Department of Business Management and Technology, Alfa University College

Dr. Tarekol Islam Maruf is currently serving as Assistant Professor and Head of Research, RMC at ALFA University College (AUC), Malaysia. Dr. Tarekol obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree by doing research titled "Self-Service Technology and Persuasive System Design of Ride Sharing Apps" from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) with a fully funded scholarship from the Ministry of ICT of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Besides, he worked on Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) projects as a GRA financed by the education ministry of Malaysia. The IIIT (International Institute of Islamic Thought) also awarded him a grant during his PhD studies at IIUM. Dr. Tarekol previously served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration at RTM Al-Kabir Technical University (RTM-AKTU). Besides education industry, Tarekol also has a vast experience work in the microfinance and consumer marketing department of Bangladesh and Malaysia Respectively.

Dr. Tarekol achieved the best paper award at the 11th Annual International Research Conference organised by South Eastern University of Sri Lanka in collaboration with Emerald Publishing. He has worked on various initiatives, including privacy and security concerns of AI, self-service technology, persuasive system design, and technology adoption for higher education. Peer-reviewed international journals have published his research papers, and he has delivered papers at international conferences. Maruf's concept focuses on helping individuals unleash their inner potential through engaging interactions and guidance.

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Published

2025-08-25

How to Cite

Jamak Amrollahifar, Guo Yajie, & Maruf, T. I. (2025). Ethical Dilemma in the Age of Automation: A Case Study of Leadership, Loyalty, and Organizational Change. IIUM Journal of Case Studies in Management, 16(2). Retrieved from https://journals.iium.edu.my/ijcsm/index.php/jcsm/article/view/315

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025): Upholding Tawhidic Epistemology and Advancing Ummatic Excellence through Case-Based Scholarship.

Section

Articles