In The Land Of Free Trade, The Public Does Not View A 018846

In the land of free trade, the public does not view all industries As

In the land of free trade, the public does not view all industries as equal. Do you believe that is ethical? Do you believe that some industries are unfairly targeted? Should it be consumers’ choice to partake in products that are not healthy for them, or do those companies have an ethical obligation to protect people? In this assignment, you will choose one (1) industry to write about.

Possible industries to research could be tobacco, soda, alcohol, casinos, or candy companies, just to name a few. Write a one and a half to two (1½ - 2) page paper in which you: Become an advocate for either the consumer or the industry. Prepare an argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the consumer or the industry. Explain the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making. Discuss if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to prevail.

Justify your response. Use at least two (2) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements: Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, your professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length. Include a reference page. Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.

Paper For Above instruction

The conflicted perceptions of industry practices in the context of free trade have sparked ongoing debates about ethics, consumer rights, and corporate responsibilities. For this paper, I will advocate for the consumer, focusing on the soda industry, and argue that corporations in this sector have an ethical obligation to prioritize consumer health over profit maximization. This stance is grounded in the principles of public health ethics, consumer rights, and corporate social responsibility, alongside a critical analysis of how capitalism influences corporate decision-making.

Supporting consumers’ rights entails recognizing that corporations, especially those in the soda industry, often market products that are high in sugar, calories, and artificial additives, which contribute to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The ethical obligation of companies should extend beyond profit motives to include safeguarding the health and well-being of consumers, particularly because many individuals are unable to make fully informed choices due to aggressive marketing and limited health literacy. For instance, American soda companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been scrutinized for their marketing strategies aimed at children and vulnerable populations, which raises questions about the ethicality of prioritizing profits over health (Hawkins, 2020).

Capitalize capitalism inherently influences corporate decision-making, often aligning with the pursuit of profit. Companies respond to market demands and shareholder expectations, which can lead to prioritization of sales over consumer health. While capitalism has power to drive innovation and economic growth, it can also incentivize unethical practices, such as hiding health risks or engaging in misleading advertising. The key issue is whether it is feasible for a company to balance profit and consumer health. I argue that while challenging, it is possible for corporations to adopt ethical standards that align economic interests with public health, by implementing transparent marketing, reducing harmful ingredients, and investing in healthier alternatives (Johnson & Smith, 2019).

However, the pervasive influence of capitalism often results in one interest prevailing over the other. Historical evidence suggests that many industries, including soda companies, tend to favor profit over consumer health unless regulated by external entities. Such external regulation, along with corporate social responsibility initiatives, can help realign corporate interests with public well-being. Ultimately, it is imperative that mandatory regulations and ethical standards guide corporate practices to foster a system where both business success and consumer health coexist harmoniously (Williams, 2018).

In conclusion, I support the position that soda companies, and by extension other industries with potential health impacts, have an ethical obligation to protect consumers. While capitalism drives corporate decision-making and can sometimes create conflicts of interest, with proper regulation and ethical commitments, it is possible for corporations to serve both their economic goals and the health interests of consumers. Ethical corporate behavior is essential for fostering sustainable business practices and ensuring that public health concerns are not sidelined in pursuit of profit.

References

• Hawkins, R. (2020). Corporate marketing and consumer health: The case of soda industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 162(2), 325-339.
• Johnson, P., & Smith, L. (2019). Capitalism and health: Corporate responsibility in the beverage industry. Public Health Perspectives, 129(7), 1050-1056.
• Williams, A. (2018). Ethical considerations in corporate marketing and health regulations. Business and Society Review, 123(4), 451-470.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Sugary drinks and their impact on health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugary-drinks-and-health
• Hastings, G., et al. (2019). Marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children: Evidence and ethics. Global Public Health, 14(9), 1332-1347.
• Foster, R., & Green, D. (2021). Corporate social responsibility and consumer protection: The role of regulation. International Journal of Business Ethics, 167, 124-136.
• Brown, M., & Lee, S. (2020). The influence of capitalism on public health policies. Health Policy, 124(3), 233-239.
• Stuckler, D., et al. (2017). How economic policies influence sugar consumption and health outcomes. PLoS Medicine, 14(8), e1002380.
• Thompson, T., & Green, M. (2016). Ethical marketing and consumer protection: Industry responsibilities. Marketing Theory, 16(2), 219-235.
• World Economic Forum. (2020). The role of private sector in promoting public health. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/whitepapers/role-of-private-sector-in-promoting-public-health