Choose Two Companies: One You Consider Ethical And One

Choose Two Companies One You Consider To Be Ethical And One You Beli

Choose two companies - one you consider to be ethical and one you believe to be unethical. Refer to the above resources to create a short white paper to analyze the topic of ethics. (NOTE - if you're unfamiliar with the format of a white paper - google "white paper" for sites) 1 - Intro - Define ethics. 2 - Body - Answer the following for each company: Does this company have a published code of ethics? Does it offer evidence of social responsibility? Does it practice sustainability? 3 - Conclusion - Why do you consider this to be an ethical company or not? Provide specific references to support your position. Consider the following questions in your conclusion. In what ways does a company’s ethics (good or bad) influence your buying decisions? Did your research for the assignment change your views on that company? What companies in your industry have a high level of corporate ethics? Do corporate ethics differ in a global environment? Click on the links below to view sample Ethics Papers.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical landscape of corporate behavior is a pivotal aspect influencing consumer trust, corporate reputation, and societal progress. Ethics, fundamentally, refers to the moral principles that govern a company's actions, decisions, and policies, guiding whether they uphold integrity, fairness, and respect for stakeholders (Crane, Matten, & Spence, 2013). This white paper aims to analyze two companies—one perceived as ethical and the other as unethical—by examining their adherence to ethical standards, commitments to social responsibility, and practices of sustainability. The analysis intends to provide insights into how corporate ethics influence consumer perceptions and industry standards, especially in a globalized economy.

Ethically Perceived Company: Patagonia Inc.

Patagonia is widely regarded as a highly ethical company, driven by a mission to produce sustainable outdoor apparel while minimizing environmental impact. The company has a comprehensive published code of ethics that emphasizes transparency, environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and social responsibility (Patagonia, 2023). Their regularly updated Environmental & Social Initiatives demonstrate pledge-driven efforts to address climate change, protect natural resources, and promote fair treatment of workers across their supply chain. Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of recycled materials, commitment to fair labor practices, and initiatives like the Worn Wear program, which encourages product reuse and recycling (Loy, 2020). Their initiatives such as the Patagonia Action Works platform also exemplify active engagement with social and environmental causes, reinforcing their reputation as an ethical leader in the apparel industry.

Patagonia’s dedication to social responsibility is visible in their activism for environmental policies and community involvement. Their transparency about supply chain conditions and investment in environmental advocacy further support their ethical posture (Baskin, 2022). This aligns with their broader mission to serve not just their shareholders but also society and the planet, illustrating a holistic approach to corporate ethics and sustainability.

Unethical Perception: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen, once celebrated as a leader in the automotive industry, became emblematic of unethical conduct following the 2015 emissions scandal. The company’s publication of a code of ethics aimed to uphold integrity, transparency, and corporate responsibility; however, in practice, VW engaged in deliberate deception by installing software to manipulate emissions testing results (Ewing, 2017). This breach of trust and violation of environmental and legal standards cast significant doubt on their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

The scandal revealed that Volkswagen prioritized profits and market share over ethical considerations, engaging in fraudulent practices that contributed to environmental degradation and public health risks. Despite subsequent efforts to rebuild credibility, the scandal reflects persistent ethical lapses, highlighting a disconnect between their stated policies and actual practices. VW's failure to practice genuine sustainability, as their actions directly contradicted their environmental commitments, underscores their misalignment with the core values of ethical corporate conduct (Klein, 2016).

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, Patagonia exemplifies an ethical company through its transparent policies, genuine commitment to environmental sustainability, and active social responsibility efforts. Their actions align with their moral principles, contributing to positive societal impact and consumer trust. Conversely, Volkswagen’s scandal exemplifies unethical behavior, where corporate misconduct and disregard for environmental principles have damaged their reputation and compromised stakeholder trust.

My perception of ethical companies influences my buying decisions significantly. I tend to support brands that demonstrate transparency, uphold sustainable practices, and prioritize social responsibility, as these qualities reflect integrity and respect for broader societal good (Crane et al., 2013). Conducting research on these companies has reinforced my belief that ethical practices are essential, not only for reputation but also for long-term viability.

In my industry, some companies have established high ethical standards, often driven by strong corporate governance, clear ethical policies, and a culture of accountability. Globally, corporate ethics can vary considerably due to differing cultural norms, regulatory environments, and societal expectations. Multinational corporations face the challenge of maintaining consistent ethical standards across diverse regions, which requires adaptive strategies that respect local customs while upholding universal principles of integrity and responsibility (Kaptein, 2011).

In conclusion, corporate ethics significantly influence consumer perceptions and corporate success. Companies like Patagonia set high standards that positively impact their brand image and stakeholder relationships. As consumers become more aware and socially conscious, the importance of ethical conduct in business continues to grow, especially in a interconnected global economy where transparency and responsibility are crucial.

References

• Baskin, A. (2022). Patagonia’s environmental activism and corporate responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 175(2), 241-258.
• Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2013). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
• Ewing, J. (2017). The Volkswagen emissions scandal. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
• Klein, N. (2016). No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump's Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need. Haymarket Books.
• Kaptein, M. (2011). Understanding unethical behavior by understanding the moral person: A moral identity perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 99(2), 253-267.
• Loy, D. (2020). Patagonia and sustainability: A case study. Environmental Business Review, 29(4), 22-27.
• Patagonia. (2023). Environmental & Social Responsibility. Retrieved from https://www.patagonia.com/environmental-and-social-responsibility/
• Klein, N. (2016). This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate. Simon & Schuster.