Establishing A Culture Of Sound Business Ethics Within An Or ✓ Solved

Establishing A Culture Of Sound Business Ethics Within An Organization

Establishing a culture of sound business ethics within an organization is challenging, to say the least. Companies that market products that are not considered to be “healthy” for consumers have additional challenges. Research a company that markets “unhealthy” products. Examples might include tobacco or alcohol companies but these examples are not all-inclusive. Respond to the following questions. Briefly describe the company and its product and the ethical dilemma associated with the production and distribution of its products.

Describe how the perception of the product differs within cultures both within the United States and globally. How has this company handled the ethical implications of its product with a focus on social responsibility, integrity, and business ethics? Explain how leadership within the organization can instill a culture of ethics within the marketing department as they strive to advertise a product that is not healthy for the customer. Your response should be a minimum of two double-spaced pages not including the title and reference pages. You are required to use at least one peer-reviewed source. Referenced sources must have accompanying citations complying with APA guidelines.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The lion’s share of contemporary business practices revolves around the ethical paradigms that underpin corporate decision-making and organizational culture. Companies dealing with products that pose health risks face complex ethical dilemmas, often balancing profitability with social responsibility. An illustrative example is the tobacco industry, exemplified by companies like Philip Morris International (PMI). This paper examines PMI's product, the ethical issues related to tobacco marketing and distribution, how perceptions differ across cultures, the company's handling of social responsibility, and leadership strategies to foster an ethical organizational culture despite the inherent unhealthiness of their products.

Company Overview and Ethical Dilemmas

Philip Morris International, a leading tobacco company, produces and markets Marlboro and other cigarette brands. The core product, tobacco cigarettes, is widely recognized for its addictive and harmful health effects, including lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. The central ethical dilemma pertains to the marketing and sale of a product proven to cause serious health issues, often to vulnerable populations such as youth and low-income groups. This dichotomy between profit motives and social responsibility presents substantial ethical challenges for PMI, which must navigate legal restrictions, advertising limitations, and societal expectations (Davis, 2020).

Perception of Tobacco Products across Cultures

Within the United States, perceptions of tobacco have shifted significantly over the decades, with increased awareness of health risks leading to stronger regulation and declining smoking rates. Nonetheless, marketing strategies historically aimed at glamorization and social acceptance still influence certain demographics. Internationally, perceptions vary widely; in some countries, tobacco remains embedded in cultural traditions, and smoking is viewed as a status symbol, whereas in others, strict regulations and anti-smoking campaigns have diminished its social acceptability (World Health Organization, 2021). For instance, in China and India, smoking is often associated with masculinity and social status, which complicates efforts to reduce consumption globally.

Handling Ethical Implications with Social Responsibility

Philip Morris International has adopted a multifaceted approach to address its ethical responsibilities. The company has shifted towards harm reduction strategies by investing in reduced-risk products such as heated tobacco and e-cigarettes, aiming to provide less harmful alternatives (Bialous & Glantz, 2020). Despite controversies surrounding these products, PMI emphasizes corporate social responsibility efforts, including funding public health initiatives, advocating for responsible marketing, and complying with local regulations. However, critics argue that these measures are often insufficient and serve as strategic responses to regulatory pressures rather than genuine commitments to public health (Klein & Clancy, 2022).

Leadership and Cultivating an Ethical Organizational Culture

Leadership within PMI plays a crucial role in fostering an ethical culture, especially within the marketing department. Transparent communication about the health risks of tobacco products, coupled with strict adherence to marketing regulations, exemplifies ethical leadership. Moreover, integrating ethical training into onboarding processes and establishing internal policies that prioritize consumer health and societal well-being can influence marketing strategies. Leaders must also model integrity by resisting pressures to aggressively market harmful products and instead promote corporate accountability. Efforts to embed social responsibility into organizational values can help shift the cultural mindset of employees, aligning marketing practices with ethical standards even amidst the product’s inherent health risks (Vogel, 2019).

Conclusion

Navigating ethical challenges in marketing “unhealthy” products demands robust leadership, transparent practices, and a genuine commitment to social responsibility. Companies like Philip Morris International demonstrate that despite the inherent conflicts, strategic initiatives and ethical leadership can contribute to cultivating an organizational culture that emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and respect for societal well-being. Continued focus on harm reduction, responsible marketing, and inclusive dialogue with stakeholders are essential for organizations operating at the intersection of profitability and public health.

References

Bialous, S. A., & Glantz, S. A. (2020). Tobacco industry efforts to undermine tobacco control activities and public health. Public Health Reports, 135(Suppl 2), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354920912460

Davis, R. (2020). Ethical challenges in tobacco marketing. Journal of Business Ethics, 162(4), 731–743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-3803-4

Klein, J. D., & Clancy, L. (2022). Corporate social responsibility and harm reduction in the tobacco industry. Global Public Health, 17(2), 231–244. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2021.2006950

Vogel, D. (2019). The role of corporate leadership in fostering an ethical culture. Business & Society, 58(1), 123–137. https://doi.org/10.1177/0007650317729044

World Health Organization. (2021). WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240032095