Establishing A Culture Of Sound Business Ethics Withi 973938

Establishing A Culture Of Sound Business Ethics Within An Organizatio

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. Your essay should be formatted in accordance with APA style. For step-by-step instructions for formatting a paper in APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The marketing and distribution of products deemed unhealthy, such as tobacco, present significant ethical challenges for organizations. These companies grapple with balancing profitability with social responsibility, as their core products pose health risks to consumers. An examination of Philip Morris International, one of the leading tobacco companies, exemplifies these ethical dilemmas and the ways in which the organization addresses them within a global context.

Philip Morris International (PMI) predominantly manufactures and markets cigarettes and other tobacco products. The fundamental ethical dilemma stems from the intrinsic health risks associated with tobacco use—linked to lung diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular conditions. Despite definitive scientific evidence about these health hazards, PMI continues to promote its products in various markets worldwide. This raises questions about corporate responsibility and the morality of advertising products known to cause harm. The company's challenge lies in managing its economic goals while navigating societal concerns about public health.

Perceptions of tobacco products vary significantly between cultures domestically and internationally. In the United States, tobacco use has increasingly been stigmatized, with stringent regulations curbing advertising and warnings about health risks. Nevertheless, tobacco remains legally accessible, and some consumers still view smoking as an individual right or social activity. Conversely, in countries like Indonesia or certain African nations, smoking remains culturally embedded and less stigmatized, often viewed as a traditional or social activity (Munez et al., 2020). The cultural context influences how the company's products are marketed and perceived, with some regions allowing more aggressive marketing practices due to lax regulations or differing societal attitudes.

In response to ethical concerns, PMI has taken steps to improve its social responsibility profile by implementing harm reduction strategies, such as promoting smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes as less harmful alternatives. The company emphasizes its commitment to responsible marketing, particularly toward adult consumers, and adheres to local regulations in various markets. However, critics argue that PMI still engages in practices that promote smoking among youth and vulnerable populations, highlighting ongoing ethical tensions (McDaniel, 2021). Despite these issues, PMI publicly commits to corporate social responsibility through transparent reporting, health research investments, and community engagement initiatives.

Leadership within organizations like PMI can influence ethical culture by establishing clear codes of conduct, emphasizing integrity, and fostering transparency. In the context of marketing unhealthy products, leaders must prioritize social responsibility by setting strict guidelines that prevent targeting minors and avoiding misleading advertising claims. Ethical leadership entails consistent messaging that aligns corporate actions with societal well-being. Training programs focused on ethical decision-making can empower marketing personnel to balance business objectives with public health considerations. Moreover, engaging stakeholders, including public health officials and community organizations, can strengthen the company's accountability and build trust among consumers (Valentine & Fleischman, 2020). By embedding ethical values into their corporate culture, organizations can navigate the complex landscape of marketing potentially harmful products responsibly and sustainably.

References

• Munez, Y., García, D., & Rodríguez, M. (2020). Cultural influences on tobacco consumption: A comparative analysis. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(3), 345-359.
• McDaniel, P. (2021). Corporate social responsibility in tobacco marketing: Ethical implications and strategic responses. Tobacco Control, 30(2), 234-239.
• Valentine, S., & Fleischman, G. (2020). Leadership and ethical decision-making in marketing: Strategies for promoting corporate integrity. Journal of Business Ethics, 162(4), 701-716.
• World Health Organization. (2019). WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic. WHO Press.
• Hussain, I., & Sultan, S. (2022). Ethical challenges in marketing of harmful products: A review. International Journal of Business Ethics, 23(1), 45-62.
• Petersen, M., & Pruzan, P. (2022). Responsible marketing and corporate social responsibility. Business & Society, 61(4), 856-878.
• Smith, K. E., & Brown, M. (2023). Cultural perceptions and marketing practices of tobacco products. Global Public Health, 18(1), 12-26.
• Lee, S., & Carter, J. (2020). Managing ethical conflicts in advertising of health-harming products. Journal of Marketing Ethics, 18(2), 87-102.
• Graham, M., & Klein, J. (2019). Public health ethics and corporate responsibility in tobacco marketing. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), 1124-1130.
• Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Strategies for reducing tobacco use: Ethical considerations. US Government Printing Office.