Responsibility isn't zero-sum. The fact that you have an obligation not to act irresponsibly does not absolve your manager of the obligation not to ask you to. This particular article focuses on one particular layer in the heirarchy, but the author isn't implying that morality is only relevant in the trenches -- it applies at all levels, and shortcomings at any level should be addressed. This was an article written by an engineer for an engineering audience; tomorrow you might see an article in a different newspaper for middle managers or company directors or shareholders.
As an aside, though "exit" may be a more powerful force than "voice", I wouldn't discount people's abilities to change corporate behaviour by mechanisms other than boycott. In fact, if moral workers are to steer clear of questionable businesses it is unreasonable to expect those businesses to maintain any kind of moral compass.
As an aside, though "exit" may be a more powerful force than "voice", I wouldn't discount people's abilities to change corporate behaviour by mechanisms other than boycott. In fact, if moral workers are to steer clear of questionable businesses it is unreasonable to expect those businesses to maintain any kind of moral compass.