Instructions In Order To Do This Case There Is A Little But

Instructionsin Order To Do This Case There Is a Little But Of Prep W

In order to do this case, there is a little but of prep work before reading the material. Please watch the documentary below called Stealing Africa. As you watch it, take careful notes about the what you feel are important points and lapses of moral and ethical judgement. This will help in organizing your writing; and you will be submitting them as part of your work. Describe the lapses of morality you observe and link them to your readings?

Do you find them to be appropriate given the benefits of income? What rights- if any- do you perceive being violated? Do the companies have rights also? And, as a business leader, what kind of policies would you build to address any issues you might see in this documentary or support the decisions described in this documentary? Submission Instructions: This essay should be about 500 words in length and you will submit your notes also. Combine your essay and notes into a single document prior to submitting. Make sure your name is in the header of the document and include page numbers. Follow APA formatting in your references and the general APA conventions on the document (sans-serif 12pt font like Arial, Helvetica or Century Gothic, 1" margins, etc.). Submit your document only as one of the following file types: . .doc Grading Rubric Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric. Very Proficient: Thesis is clearly stated and developed; specific examples are appropriate and clearly develop thesis; conclusion is clear; ideas flow together well; good transitions; succinct but not choppy; well-organized.

Paper For Above instruction

The documentary "Stealing Africa" provides a compelling and sometimes disturbing exploration of the ethical, moral, and socio-economic issues associated with foreign corporate exploitation in Africa. Watching this film prompts critical reflection on both the moral lapses exhibited by various multinational corporations and the broader implications for the rights of local communities, workers, and even the companies themselves. This essay aims to analyze these moral lapses, connect them to ethical frameworks discussed in academic readings, evaluate the appropriateness of such practices relative to income benefits, assess rights violations, and propose policies for responsible corporate behavior.

Throughout the documentary, several ethical lapses come into focus that highlight a disregard for moral responsibility. One prominent issue is the exploitation of local populations through unfair labor practices, including unsafe working conditions, suppressed wages, and the denial of fair employment rights. These actions often result from a profit-driven mentality that prioritizes cost-cutting over human dignity. For instance, corporations involved in resource extraction in Africa demonstrate a penchant for overlooking environmental degradation and the health hazards posed to local workers. This behavior aligns with ethical criticisms of corporate greed and the failure to adopt a stakeholder perspective, which emphasizes the importance of considering the welfare of all affected parties (Freeman, 1984).

From a moral standpoint, these actions raise questions about justice and fairness. According to Kantian ethics, treating individuals as ends rather than means should be fundamental; however, the behaviors observed often involve viewing local communities solely as means to economic profit. This violates their intrinsic rights and dignity. Utilitarian perspectives might justify these actions if they produce significant income and development benefits; yet, the long-term social costs, such as environmental destruction and social dislocation, often outweigh short-term gains (Miller & Powers, 2013). Therefore, while economic benefits are evident, they do not ethically legitimize morally questionable practices.

In terms of rights, the documentary reveals violations of fundamental human rights, including labor rights, health rights, and the right to a clean environment. These rights are often ignored by corporations seeking to maximize financial performance. Conversely, one might argue that the companies possess rights related to property and contractual freedom—rights that legitimize their operations. Nonetheless, these rights do not trump the rights of affected communities and workers. A balanced approach recognizes that corporations have responsibilities and ethical obligations, which should include respecting human rights and ensuring sustainable practices.

As business leaders, adopting policies that promote ethical responsibility is crucial. Corporate policies should incorporate due diligence processes to assess social and environmental impacts before initiating projects. Implementing strict labor standards, environmental safeguards, and community engagement programs can help align business activities with ethical principles. Furthermore, adopting a corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework that emphasizes transparency and accountability can mitigate moral lapses. Encouraging boards and management to prioritize long-term societal well-being over short-term profits is essential. Policies supporting fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental conservation, and respect for local cultures can foster sustainable development and improve corporate reputation.

In conclusion, the ethics examined in "Stealing Africa" underscore the importance of integrating moral considerations into corporate decision-making. While economic benefits are significant, they should not come at the expense of fundamental rights and ethical principles. Businesses have a moral and social responsibility to operate sustainably and fairly, respecting the dignity of local communities and workers. Effective policies rooted in ethical frameworks can help rectify moral lapses and promote responsible corporate citizenship, ultimately balancing profit motives with social justice.

References

  • Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Pitman Publishing.
  • Miller, F., & Powers, T. (2013). Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability: Strategic Approaches. Routledge.
  • Banerjee, S. B. (2007). Corporate social responsibility: The good, the bad and the ugly. Critical Sociology, 33(3), 105-138.
  • Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (Eds.). (2014). Corporate Social Responsibility: Readings and Cases in a Global Context. Routledge.
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  • Moon, J. (2007). The contributions of stakeholder theory to sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 15(5), 296-306.
  • Deresky, H. (2017). International Management: Managing Across Borders and Cultures. Pearson Education.