A Visiting American Executive Finds That A Foreign Subsidiar

A Visiting American Executive Finds That A Foreign Subsidiary In A Les

A visiting American executive discovers that a foreign subsidiary within a less developed country has employed a 12-year-old girl on their factory floor, contravening the company's policy against child labor. He instructs the local manager to replace the child and ensure she returns to schooling. The local manager responds that the girl is an orphan with no alternative means of support, and denying her work might push her onto the streets. The executive is tasked with determining the appropriate course of action, considering ethical responsibilities and implications.

Research on child labor underscores its complex socio-economic roots, especially in developing nations where poverty and lack of social support push children into the workforce (Basu & Tzannatos, 2003). While corporate policies oppose child labor, the practical realities faced by vulnerable communities complicate enforcement and ethical judgments (ILO, 2017). In this case, the executive faces a moral dilemma: uphold the company policy or consider the immediate welfare of the girl.

According to many ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, actions should aim to maximize overall well-being (Singer, 2011). From this perspective, simply removing the girl without providing support or an alternative could neglect her broader needs. The local manager’s concern indicates that, in her context, the child’s work, albeit illegal, is vital for her survival. Therefore, the executive should consider not only immediate compliance but also long-term solutions, such as collaborating with local NGOs or social services to find educational opportunities or alternative livelihoods.

Furthermore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) suggests that multinational corporations have an ethical obligation to support social development in their operating countries (Moon, 2007). Addressing child labor ethically entails advocating for, and assisting in creating, sustainable opportunities for vulnerable children. This approach aligns with principles of global social justice and responsible corporate conduct, emphasizing active participation in social betterment rather than mere policy enforcement.

In conclusion, the American executive should intervene with a solution that respects both ethical principles and local realities. This includes ensuring the girl’s immediate safety, advocating for her access to education, and supporting social programs that address root causes of child labor. Such comprehensive engagement exemplifies a corporation’s ethical responsibility to promote human dignity and social justice globally.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemma faced by the American executive highlights the complex interplay between corporate policies, local socioeconomic realities, and global ethical responsibilities. When operating in less developed countries, multinational corporations often encounter challenging situations where local practices, such as child labor, conflict with international standards and company policies designed to protect vulnerable populations. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced understanding of ethical principles, local socio-economic conditions, and long-term social responsibilities.

Research indicates that child labor remains prevalent in many developing economies due to poverty, lack of access to education, and insufficient social safety nets (Basu & Tzannatos, 2003). In such contexts, children often work to support their families, and outright bans without alternative support may inadvertently worsen their plight. The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasizes that combating child labor requires holistic approaches, including social protection, education, and poverty alleviation (ILO, 2017). Merely removing a child from employment without these supports can lead to greater harm, such as homelessness and exploitation.

From an ethical standpoint, utilitarianism suggests the importance of weighing immediate harms against potential long-term benefits (Singer, 2011). The executive’s instinct to remove the girl aligns with legality and corporate policy, but fails to account for her immediate survival needs. Instead, a more responsible approach would involve engaging local social services or NGOs to facilitate her access to education and social support, thereby addressing the root causes of child labor. This aligns with the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which holds that businesses should act in ways that promote social good beyond mere profit (Moon, 2007).

Furthermore, ethical principles of social justice advocate for corporate engagement in improving local communities’ welfare. Ethical conduct in such contexts involves advocating for policies that provide vulnerable populations with sustainable alternatives, rather than punitive measures that may exacerbate their hardship. For instance, some corporations partner with local organizations to fund schools or vocational training programs, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and child labor (Blowfield & Frynas, 2005).

The multinational’s role extends beyond compliance; it includes actively promoting human rights and social development. The executive’s decision should therefore encompass immediate safety measures for the girl, such as providing her with support and education options, while also collaborating with local authorities to develop community-based solutions. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the company’s ethical commitment to social justice and sustainable development, reflecting global standards of responsible corporate citizenship.

In summary, the American executive should prioritize interventions that address both the Girl’s immediate needs and the broader systemic issues. This involves not only preventing child labor but actively supporting alternative livelihoods and education, thereby aligning corporate actions with ethical principles of beneficence, social justice, and corporate social responsibility.

References

• Basu, K., & Tzannatos, Z. (2003). Child Labour and Household Welfare in Developing Countries. The World Bank Economic Review, 17(2), 275-299.
• International Labour Organization (ILO). (2017). Global Estimates of Child Labour: Results and Trends, 2012-2016. ILO.
• Blowfield, M., & Frynas, J. G. (2005). Setting new agendas: Critical perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility in the developing world. International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 1(1), 5-22.
• Moon, J. (2007). The contribution of corporate social responsibility to sustainable development. sustainable development, 15(5), 296-306.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.