Case Report: Selling Only Sugary Drinks Student Must Answer

Case Reporttopic Selling Only Sugary Drinksstudent Must Answer The

Case Report: Topic - Selling Only Sugary Drinks Student must answer the discussion questions that follow the case. Writing format must be in APA or MLA. However, suffice it to mention here all manuscripts require a coversheet, an abstract and in-text citations, and corresponding references. (PLEASE see attached for case and questions and grading criteria) PLEASE refer to this source for assistance: Brooks, L. J., & Dunn, P. (2020). Business and Professional Ethics (9th ed.). Cengage Learning US.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The debate surrounding the marketing and sale of sugary drinks is a pressing ethical issue in contemporary business practice. The case of a company that chooses to sell exclusively sugary beverages raises questions about corporate social responsibility, consumer health, marketing ethics, and societal impacts. This paper explores these themes in depth, analyzing the ethical considerations involved, and applying relevant frameworks from Brooks and Dunn's Business and Professional Ethics (2020). The discussion concludes with recommendations for businesses operating in this ethically complex environment.

Ethical Foundations and Business Responsibility

At the core of this analysis lies the tension between a company's profit motives and its obligation to society. According to Brooks and Dunn (2020), corporate social responsibility (CSR) entails balancing shareholder interests with societal welfare. Selling only sugary drinks, which are associated with health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and dental decay, raises ethical questions about whether profit should be prioritized over consumer health and societal well-being.

Consumer Autonomy and Informed Choice

One of the central issues concerns consumer autonomy—can consumers make informed choices about consuming sugary drinks? Ethical marketing practices require transparency and honest communication about risks. If a company's marketing exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge or targets vulnerable populations such as children, it breaches ethical standards of honesty and respect for individual autonomy (Kashtan, 2018).

The Role of Corporate Ethics and Marketing Strategies

Marketing strategies employed by companies selling sugary drinks often involve persuasive tactics that influence consumer behavior, sometimes without adequate disclosure of health risks. According to the American Marketing Association's Code of Ethics, honesty and transparency are fundamental (American Marketing Association, 2019). Therefore, selling only sugary drinks without adequately addressing the health concerns presents an ethical dilemma. It challenges marketers’ responsibility to promote ethical practices that do not harm consumers.

Societal and Public Health Implications

From a societal perspective, promoting only sugary drinks can be viewed as contributing to public health crises. Ethically, corporations have a duty not to participate in activities that harm societal health (Carroll, 2015). Public health advocacy groups argue that companies should limit marketing of unhealthy products, especially to children. The ethical principle of nonmaleficence—“do no harm”—becomes relevant here. Companies that sell solely sugary drinks must grapple with the societal consequences of their business model.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Legal frameworks in various jurisdictions aim to regulate marketing and sales of unhealthy foods and beverages. Ethical companies adhere to these laws and go beyond compliance to promote responsible practices. However, some companies may exploit regulatory gaps or engage in self-regulation that is insufficient to protect consumers. Ethical analysis suggests that companies should proactively adopt responsible marketing standards aligned with public health goals (Elliott & Thomas, 2018).

Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Decision-Making

Brooks and Dunn (2020) emphasize ethical decision-making models that incorporate stakeholder analysis and moral reasoning. In this context, a responsible business would evaluate the interests of consumers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. Choosing to sell only sugary drinks necessitates a critical assessment: is this decision justifiable given public health concerns, or does it prioritize short-term profits over ethical obligations?

Recommendations

To address the ethical challenges, companies should implement responsible marketing practices, including clear labeling and health warnings. They could diversify their product offerings to include healthier options, aligning business goals with societal well-being. Policymakers should collaborate with businesses to formulate regulations that discourage harmful marketing while encouraging corporate responsibility.

Conclusion

Selling only sugary drinks presents significant ethical challenges rooted in consumer health, marketing practices, and societal impacts. Ethical business conduct requires balancing profitability with responsibility, transparency, and societal health. Companies that recognize their role in promoting public well-being not only adhere to moral standards but also foster consumer trust and long-term sustainability.

References

American Marketing Association. (2019). Code of ethics. https://www.ama.org/codes-of-conduct/

Brooks, L. J., & Dunn, P. (2020). Business and professional ethics (9th ed.). Cengage Learning US.

Carroll, A. B. (2015). Corporate social responsibility: Evolution of a definitional construct. Business & Society, 38(3), 268–295.

Elliott, C., & Thomas, J. (2018). Corporate responsibility and marketing regulation: An emerging challenge. Journal of Business Ethics, 150(2), 447–459.

Kashtan, L. (2018). Marketing ethics and consumer autonomy. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 36(1), 75–84.