Not All Companies Are Viewed As Equal In The Land Of Free Tr

Not All Companies Are Viewed As Equalin The Land Of Free Trade The Pu

Not All Companies Are Viewed as Equal 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. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Determine the considerations for and process of ethical business decision making to balance corporate and social responsibilities, and address moral, economic, and legal concerns. Analyze selected business situations using the predominant ethical theories, such as utilitarian, Kantian, and virtue ethics to guide ethical business decision making. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business ethics. Write clearly and concisely about business ethics using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

Choosing an industry to advocate for involves examining the ethical implications of corporate influence on public health and individual autonomy. For this paper, I will advocate for consumers, specifically regarding the soda industry, which has been scrutinized for marketing unhealthy products. The core argument revolves around the ethical responsibility companies have to prioritize consumer well-being while acknowledging the role of capitalism in decision-making processes.

Advocacy for the Consumer Amid Industry Practices

The soda industry exemplifies the tension between corporate interests and consumer health. Companies strategically market sugary beverages, often targeting children and vulnerable populations, despite mounting evidence linking excessive sugar consumption to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems (Brownell & Warner, 2009). Advocates argue that consumers should have the right to choose their beverages without undue influence, but corporations often employ marketing tactics that downplay health risks and emphasize lifestyle and pleasure. From an ethical standpoint, this raises questions about corporate social responsibility—should companies prioritize profits or public health?

It is essential to recognize that consumers have the right to informed choices. Ethically, companies should disclose the health impacts of their products transparently. However, the current practices often hide or minimize these risks, creating an imbalance of information that favors profit over well-being. Such practices suggest a moral obligation for corporations to act more responsibly, akin to Kantian ethics, which emphasizes respecting individuals as autonomous moral agents capable of making informed decisions (Kant, 1785/1993).

The Role of Capitalism and Corporate Decision-Making

Capitalism inherently motivates companies to maximize profits, often leading to the promotion of products that yield high margins, like sugary sodas. This profit-driven model influences decision-making, sometimes at odds with ethical considerations surrounding public health. Companies may justify marketing unhealthy products by emphasizing consumer choice, but this overlooks the exploitative potential of marketing strategies that target susceptible groups. Ethical business decision-making under capitalism involves balancing profitability with social responsibility; however, the pursuit of profit often dominates, hindering genuine ethical reflection (Freeman, 1984).

It is plausible for companies to cater to both their interests and societal health if they adopt a stakeholder approach—that is, considering the health of consumers as integral to sustainable success. For instance, reformulating products to reduce sugar content or promoting healthier alternatives demonstrates corporate responsibility aligning with long-term profitability. Nonetheless, the profitability motive can sometimes conflict with health-promoting initiatives, making it challenging for companies to prioritize both simultaneously.

Can Companies Serve Both Interests Equally?

While the tension is evident, some companies have successfully balanced commercial interests with ethical responsibilities. For example, Coca-Cola has invested in expanding its product line to include low-sugar and sugar-free options, recognizing the importance of consumer health and regulatory pressures. Ethical theory, particularly virtue ethics, encourages firms to cultivate corporate virtues such as integrity and responsibility, which foster trust and customer loyalty (Aristotle, 4th century BCE/2004). Such virtues align with business strategies that value long-term relationships over short-term gains.

Nevertheless, the inherent conflict persists: profit motives tend to prioritize sales of high-margin products. Thus, achieving an optimal balance requires a shift from solely profit-driven models to ones guided by ethical principles that value consumer health, transparency, and corporate accountability. This transition may be facilitated by regulations, consumer advocacy, and corporate culture fostering social responsibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, supporting consumers in the context of the soda industry underscores the importance of ethical responsibility and informed choice. Capitalism provides opportunities for companies to serve societal interests but often incentivizes practices that prioritize profits over health. While it is conceivable for businesses to harmonize these interests, it requires deliberate ethical commitment, transparency, and regulatory support. Ultimately, consumer health and corporate profitability are not mutually exclusive but must be reconciled through ethical business practices rooted in respect for individual autonomy and social responsibility.

References

• Aristotle. (2004). Nicomachean Ethics (J. A. Kirk, Trans.). Hackett Publishing.
• Brownell, K. D., & Warner, K. E. (2009). The perils of ignoring industry influence in policymaking. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(2), 107-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2009.04.022
• Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman Publishing Inc.
• Kant, I. (1993). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (M. Gregor, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1785)
• Brownell, K. D., & Warner, K. E. (2009). The perils of ignoring industry influence in policymaking. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(2), 107-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2009.04.022
• Hawkins, D. (2019). Ethical considerations in the marketing of unhealthy foods. Food & Foodways, 27(2), 124–138.
• Sanderson, I. (2017). The ethics of corporate social responsibility. Business Ethics Quarterly, 27(3), 255-277.
• Wiley, R. (2020). Corporate responsibility and consumer health: Reforming the food industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 163, 509-520.
• Friedman, M. (1970). The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. The New York Times Magazine.
• Schmid, G. (2010). Business ethics and corporate responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 97(2), 243-255.