Find A Newspaper Article Discussing Unethical Behavior ✓ Solved
Find A Newspaper Article That Discusses One Of The Unethical
Find a newspaper article that discusses one of the unethical business practices listed on pages of the OpenStax book. Summarize the unethical business practices discussed in the article you chose. Discuss at least two changes you would make to this company's practice to follow more ethical business practices. Discuss how your policy change would align with one of the following concepts: justice, utilitarianism, deontology, or individual rights.
Writing Requirements (APA format) Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page) 1-inch margins Double spaced 12-point Times New Roman font Title page References page (minimum of 1 source)
Paper For Above Instructions
In recent years, corporate scandals have highlighted the prevalence of unethical business practices that not only harm consumers but also damage the reputations of the companies involved. One such practice is discussed in the article "Volkswagen's Diesel Emissions Scandal: A Case Study on Corporate Ethics," published in The New York Times. This article reviews the unethical behaviors exhibited by Volkswagen (VW) in its diesel emissions testing, which led to the company facing significant legal penalties and public outcry. The scandal revolves around VW’s use of software to cheat emissions tests, allowing its diesel vehicles to release pollutants far exceeding legal limits while marketing them as environmentally friendly.
The unethical business practices presented in the VW case can be classified in several ways. First and foremost, there is a clear instance of deception. VW misled consumers, regulators, and the general public by falsely advertising their cars as low-emission vehicles, valuing profit and market position over ethical considerations. This form of dishonesty not only violates consumer trust but also undermines the integrity of regulatory systems that are designed to protect public health and the environment.
Another unethical practice highlighted in the article is the company’s prioritization of financial gain over corporate responsibility. VW's decision to employ deceptive practices to boost sales reflects a widespread culture in some corporations that values profits above all else, including adherence to legal and ethical standards. The result is not just damage to company reputation but also environmental harm, as millions of additional pollutants were emitted as a direct consequence of VW's actions.
To address these unethical practices, I propose two significant changes that VW could implement to align more closely with ethical business practices. First, VW should adopt a policy of full transparency regarding its emissions testing practices. This involves not only complying with existing regulations but also openly sharing information about the vehicles' environmental impacts with consumers and regulators. By fostering an environment of honesty, VW can begin to rebuild trust with stakeholders and demonstrate a commitment to corporate responsibility.
Secondly, VW should establish a robust ethical compliance program that emphasizes immediate reporting of unethical behavior within the organization. This program should encourage employees at all levels to voice concerns about unethical practices without fear of retaliation, thus creating a culture of accountability. Such a change not only aligns with deontological principles, which stress the importance of adhering to moral rules and duties, but also promotes a more ethical organizational ethos.
Implementing these policy changes would align closely with the concept of justice, which advocates for fairness and accountability within business practices. Transparency in emissions testing ensures that all stakeholders, from consumers to regulatory agencies, are treated equitably. Moreover, establishing a strong compliance program enhances the organization's commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that all employees are held to the same standards of conduct. This ensures that no individual or group within the company can circumvent ethical norms without consequences.
In conclusion, the unethical practices observed in the VW diesel emissions scandal exemplify the detrimental effects of prioritizing profit over ethical responsibility. By implementing measures that promote transparency and accountability, VW can move toward more ethical business practices that benefit not only the company itself but also society at large. The alignment of these changes with the principles of justice ensures that all stakeholders are treated fairly, fostering a more responsible corporate culture and potentially preventing future scandals.