1). Terminology such as ‘triple bottom line’, ‘circular economy’ and ‘corporate social responsibility’ is used by pubic relations firms representing major multi national companies. Senior executives launch programs and make speeches in order to appear to be committed to social causes including the environment, equality of opportunity for all ethnicities and a robust democracy.
Think deeply about the motivation of these executives and discuss the concepts of ‘universalism vs. particularism’ as applied to their behaviour.
2). Normative business ethics (what ‘should occur’) has been assessed as able to increase profits. Both the culture of a company and its profitability is considered to be impacted by normative business ethics.
Discuss the concept of a universal set of ethical standards that is superior to ‘normative business standards’.
3). Many people believe that “what matters in the long run is the output”. And, that in a modern economy if the benefit is for the entire community it is acceptable to have cheated and lied to get a positive outcome.
Provide an example of when you might have seen this occur and discuss if you think it is acceptable to have acted in an unethical manner to achieve an outcome. Support your claims/arguments with research findings.
4). A USA sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was been banned from part of the Olympics by the USA Track & Field Asociation because of traces of marijuana in her blood. However she is from Oregon (a state in the USA) and marijuana is legal in Oregon. Bear in mind that this is her work occupation – her job!
Form an opinion and discuss whether you believe she has been treated in an ethical manner.
5). ‘Utilitarianism’ is the idea that ‘the best ethical position is the one that produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people’. Think about when companies are having difficult financial times and they keep the senior executives who earn a $1,000,000.00 a year and retrench the workers who earn $20,000.00.
Think deeply about this situation where keeping well paid executives and retrenching poorly paid workers occurs and discuss whther you think it is ethical.
6). Analyse the manufacturing of your I-Phone in China by Foxconn. There have been accusations of abuse of workers, child labour, sexual exploitation with result that some workers have committed suicide.
Discuss whether you think it is important that we consumers in first world countries have cheap costs and high quality but that the people who manufacture them suffer from overwork which can drive them to suicide.
