Give An Example From Your Own Experience Or Research

Give An Example From Your Own Experience Or Research An Article Or The

Give an example from your own experience or research an article or the media in which a business executive did something of significance that is morally right. Use APA format to cite your material from your sources. Is there a relationship between obesity and socio-economic status? Should obese people be considered a protected class under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

Paper For Above instruction

The discussion of morality in business often highlights the importance of ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility. One compelling example of a business executive acting morally right is Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever. During his tenure, Polman championed sustainable and ethical business practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. His leadership demonstrated that morally conscious decision-making could align with business success, emphasizing the importance of long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

Paul Polman's commitment to sustainability was exemplified by his refusal to pursue quarterly earnings at the expense of environmental and social principles. Instead, he advocated for integrating sustainability into Unilever's core strategy, aiming to improve the quality of life for consumers and communities worldwide (Lyon & Montgomery, 2013). His approach was morally right because it acknowledged the interconnectedness of business and society and recognized that ethical considerations should guide corporate decision-making. Polman's leadership showed that prioritizing social and environmental responsibility is not only morally commendable but can also contribute to competitive advantage and long-term profitability.

Turning to the question of the relationship between obesity and socio-economic status (SES), research indicates a significant correlation. Obesity prevalence tends to be higher among lower socio-economic groups, primarily due to factors such as limited access to healthy foods, fewer opportunities for physical activity, and higher levels of stress (McLaren, 2007). Socio-economic barriers often restrict healthy lifestyle choices, making obesity more prevalent in economically disadvantaged populations. Additionally, food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—are commonly located in impoverished communities, further exacerbating the problem (Beaulac, storyline, & Kristjansson, 2009).

The question of whether obese people should be considered a protected class under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act involves complex ethical and legal considerations. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2020). While obesity is increasingly recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the extension of protections under Title VII remains debated. Some argue that discriminating against obese individuals is unjust because weight can be influenced by various factors beyond personal control, including medical conditions and socio-economic constraints.

Legal precedents have begun to recognize obesity as a protected status under certain conditions, especially when related to disability claims (Barnett v. U.S. Air, Inc., 2004). However, whether obesity should be explicitly classified as a protected characteristic under Title VII is a matter of ongoing debate. Ethically, protecting individuals from discrimination based on health-related attributes aligns with principles of fairness and equality; however, concerns about discrimination claims and employer rights complicate this issue.

In conclusion, morally right leadership such as that demonstrated by Paul Polman underscores the necessity of integrating ethical considerations into corporate strategy, emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility. Concerning obesity and socio-economic status, evidence suggests a strong link that calls for targeted public health interventions and societal support. Lastly, the potential extension of legal protections for obese individuals highlights ongoing debates about fairness, disability, and non-discrimination, emphasizing the importance of evolving legal frameworks to promote equity in the workplace.

References

Barnett v. U.S. Air, Inc., 516 F.3d 1112 (9th Cir. 2008).

Beaulac, J., Kristjansson, E., & Story, M. (2009). A Systematic Review of Food Deserts, 2009.

Lyon, F., & Montgomery, B. (2013). Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 118(1), 1-11.

McLaren, L. (2007). Socioeconomic status and obesity. Epidemiologic Reviews, 29(1), 29-48.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2020). Laws Enforced by EEOC. https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/laws-enforced-eeoc