Final answer:
Fred's decision to hire his unqualified son-in-law as CISO is unethical as it undermines the integrity of the position and exposes the organization to risks. Ethical standards in business require hiring based on merit, similar to moral choices addressed in philosophical dilemmas, which generally favor truth and justice over personal loyalties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fred's choice to hire his unqualified son-in-law as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is not ethical. In business, it is essential to maintain the integrity of positions by hiring personnel based on merit and qualifications, not personal relationships. This ensures that the individuals hired are capable of performing the responsibilities required by the role, which is particularly critical in a sensitive area like information security.
To think like a philosopher, we consider moral dilemmas that ask whether familial loyalty or adherence to ethical and legal standards should prevail. In the context of this scenario, hiring a family member over a more qualified candidate can be juxtaposed with the scenario where one might face the choice between lying to law enforcement to protect a parent or telling the truth. In both cases, it is generally seen as more ethical to uphold professional standards and the rule of law over personal loyalties.
Putting an unqualified individual in a role of such significance not only undermines the corporation's security but could also lead to greater risks and damages due to inexperience and lack of knowledge in the domain. This highlights the importance of hiring based on qualifications and avoiding unethical nepotism.