Assignment 3 Persuasive Essay Template In The Land Of Free T
Assignment 3 Persuasive Essay Templatein The Land Of Free Trade The P
In the land of free trade, the public does not view all industries as equal. Do you believe that is ethical? Do you believe that some industries are unfairly targeted? Should it be consumers’ choice to partake in products that are not healthy for them, or do those companies have an ethical obligation to protect people? In this assignment, you will choose from one (1) of the following industries to write about: · The oil industry (for example Exxon). · The candy industry. · The mining industry.
Once you’ve gone through the worksheet and answered all the questions you will take that information and write your paper. It will basically be a transfer of information from the worksheet to a paper format. DO NOT just turn in the worksheet. It will be sent back for a rewrite.
Choose an industry. Will you be an advocate for the consumer or the industry? Develop 3 reasons why you support the consumer or the industry, with supporting evidence for each reason. Is it possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer jointly, or does one have to prevail? Support your answer with reasons and evidence. Use at least two (2) quality references. Follow the Strayer Writing Standards (SWS) formatting requirements for your paper, including double-spacing, one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, APA citation style, and proper organization.
Paper For Above instruction
The debate over the ethical responsibilities of industries such as the oil, candy, and mining sectors is complex and multifaceted, involving considerations of consumer health, corporate responsibilities, and economic impacts. For this essay, I will focus on the mining industry, analyzing its practices through the lens of ethical responsibility, industry targeting, and consumer influence. The goal is to evaluate whether it is ethical for certain industries to be targeted unfairly and what obligations companies have towards consumers and society at large.
Industry Selection and Advocacy
My perspective advocates for consumers, emphasizing the importance of corporate accountability and ethical conduct. The mining industry, as a critical source of raw materials, significantly impacts environmental sustainability and local communities. However, it often faces criticism regarding environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and health hazards. Supporting this view are reasons grounded in environmental ethics, community health, and corporate responsibility.
Supporting Reasons and Evidence
Reason 1: Environmental Impact and Ethical Obligation
The mining industry has a profound impact on ecosystems, often leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Ethical considerations demand that companies minimize environmental harm, adopting sustainable practices. For example, the implementation of practices such as sustainable land management and pollution control can significantly reduce ecological damage (Hilson, 2012). Failure to do so is an ethical lapse because it neglects the duty to protect natural resources for future generations.
Reason 2: Community Health and Well-being
Mining activities frequently adversely affect nearby communities, exposing residents to hazardous pollutants and disrupting their livelihoods. Ethical responsibility entails that companies prioritize the health and safety of local populations, providing fair compensation and limiting environmental hazards (Apoh & Adu-Oppong, 2014). Ignoring these responsibilities can lead to long-term health issues, raising concerns about corporate neglect of societal welfare.
Reason 3: Fair Representation and Corporate Transparency
Transparency is crucial in ensuring ethical operations. Many mining companies have been criticized for lacking transparency in their practices, including failure to disclose environmental risks or community impacts effectively. Ethical business practices require honest communication with stakeholders and responsible reporting of environmental and social impacts (Reiche et al., 2017). Such transparency fosters trust and accountability, aligning corporate actions with societal expectations.
Balancing Corporate Interests and Consumer Welfare
It is theoretically possible for companies to serve both their interests and those of consumers simultaneously. For example, adopting environmentally sustainable practices can improve a company's reputation, attract conscientious investors, and promote consumer trust. The integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives demonstrates how profitability and social good can coexist (Porter & Kramer, 2011). However, conflicts often arise when short-term profits are prioritized over long-term sustainability.
Reason 1: Sustainable Business Models
Businesses that adopt sustainable practices often see economic benefits over time, such as reduced costs through efficient resource use and enhanced brand loyalty. A study by Epstein (2018) highlights that companies integrating sustainability into their core strategy outperform competitors who neglect environmental and social factors.
Reason 2: Regulatory and Consumer Pressures
Increasing regulations and consumer awareness exert pressure on companies to operate ethically. Companies that proactively engage in sustainable practices can gain a competitive advantage and avoid legal penalties. This alignment of corporate interests with societal expectations creates a win-win scenario.
Reason 3: Ethical Leadership and Corporate Culture
Leadership committed to ethical principles fosters a corporate culture that values social responsibility. Such culture encourages innovation in sustainable practices and improves stakeholder relationships, leading to long-term profitability (Valentine & Fleischman, 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, industries such as mining have significant ethical responsibilities toward environmental sustainability, community well-being, and transparency. While conflicts between corporate interests and social responsibilities exist, the possibility of harmonizing both is feasible through sustainable business models and ethical leadership. Promoting transparency and accountability is crucial in ensuring that industries contribute positively to society while maintaining profitability. Ultimately, upholding ethical standards benefits both consumers and industries, fostering sustainable development and social trust.
References
- Apoh, F., & Adu-Oppong, A. (2014). Environmental and social impacts of mining activities in Ghana: A case study of the Obuasi goldmine. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2014, 1-8.
- Epstein, M. J. (2018). Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing and Measuring Corporate Social, Environmental, and Economic Impacts. Greenleaf Publishing.
- Hilson, G. (2012). Corporate social responsibility in the mining industry: Exploring the stakeholder links. Resources Policy, 37(2), 132-140.
- Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating Shared Value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62-77.
- Reiche, D., Behrens, A., & Stumpp, C. (2017). Corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategies in the mining industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 166, 14-28.
- Valentine, S., & Fleischman, G. (2019). Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility: A New Perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 154(4), 939-950.