Project 3: Icelandic Freeze-In - The Third Assignment 489760

Project 3icelandic Freezein The Third Assignment You Have The Oppor

In the third assignment, you have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the ethical practices in a business related to wages. You will research and identify the ethical issue presented in the case scenario, identify the ethical dilemma associated with the presented case scenario and assess the scenario in terms of ethical relativism and moral universalism.

Paper For Above instruction

The case scenario involving Josh Garrett's decision to relocate the packaging and distribution operations from Germany to Iceland presents a complex array of ethical considerations. The core of the ethical issue revolves around the fairness and morality of employing young workers under potentially exploitative conditions, as well as the broader question of wage disparities across different countries. This scenario exemplifies an ethical dilemma where economic efficiency and corporate responsibility clash with moral obligations to treat workers fairly and ethically.

To understand the ethical issue in this case, it is essential to define what constitutes an ethical issue. An ethical issue arises when there is a conflict between moral principles or values, particularly when an action may benefit the company financially but at the expense of fairness, justice, or harm to vulnerable individuals. In the scenario, the ethical concern is whether Josh's plan to employ only young workers at lower wages in Iceland is morally justifiable, given the potential for exploitation and unfair labor practices. The use of young workers, especially those under 18, raises questions about exploitation and the infringement of workers' rights, as youth are often more vulnerable and less able to advocate for fair wages and conditions (Trevino, 2016). The decision to prioritize cost savings over the welfare of employees creates a significant ethical issue rooted in fairness, justice, and respect for human dignity.

A non-ethical issue present in the scenario concerns logistical and financial considerations. From a purely business perspective, relocating operations to Iceland to reduce distribution costs and increase profitability could be viewed as a strategic decision driven by market forces and operational efficiencies. This issue—whether the move makes economic sense—is non-ethical because it does not involve questions of morality but rather economic viability and competitive strategy. This aspect remains separate from the ethical issues associated with fair employment practices and labor rights.

The ethical dilemma at the center of this case involves balancing the company's financial interests with moral responsibilities towards workers. On one side, Josh believes that relocating to Iceland and employing young workers could improve logistical efficiencies and contribute to social responsibility by aiding a poorer country. On the other side, employing underage or young workers under potentially exploitative conditions raises serious ethical questions about exploitative labor practices and the morality of paying significantly lower wages than in other countries, even when justified by local wage policies (Ford & Richardson, 2017). The dilemma thus lies in choosing between maximizing profits and adhering to ethical standards that prevent exploiting vulnerable employees.

Understanding the concepts of ethical relativism and moral universalism is crucial in analyzing the scenario. Ethical relativism refers to the idea that moral standards are culturally or society-specific, and what is considered ethical in one culture may not be in another (Rachels, 2019). Moral universalism, conversely, posits that there are universal moral principles that apply across all cultures and societies, regardless of local customs or practices (Beitz, 2013). In the case scenario, the practices of employing young workers at lower wages and potentially exploiting labor could be viewed through the lens of ethical relativism if one considers local Icelandic laws or customs, which might permit such employment practices to some extent. However, from a moral universalist perspective, the ethical considerations would involve universal principles of fairness, justice, and human dignity, suggesting that exploiting young workers and paying them below a reasonable standard of living is inherently unethical (Hickman & Silva, 2014). Therefore, this case leans more toward moral universalism because it raises fundamental questions about human rights and fair labor practices that transcend cultural norms.

In conclusion, the scenario involving Josh Garrett highlights significant ethical issues related to fair treatment of workers, wage disparities, and the morality of employment practices in different cultural and legal contexts. The employment of young workers at potentially exploitative wages presents an ethical dilemma that pits financial gains against moral responsibilities. Applying the principles of moral universalism supports the view that exploitation and unfair wages are ethically unacceptable, regardless of local customs or laws. Organizations like Biotech must weigh these ethical considerations carefully to ensure that their global operations uphold fundamental human rights and ethical standards, fostering sustainable and morally responsible business practices.

References

• Beitz, C. (2013). The Idea of Human Rights. Oxford University Press.
• Ford, R., & Richardson, A. (2017). Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics. Routledge.
• Hickman, L. A., & Silva, P. (2014). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Rachels, J. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Trevino, L. K. (2016). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Pearson.