Select A Business Organization To Complete This Assignment ✓ Solved
Select A Business Organization To Complete This Assi
Select a business organization to complete this assignment on ethical considerations in the current business environment. Research changes in the company or its policies over the last 10 years. Determine how changes were influenced by the most recent global economic developments and assess the ethical issues related to the decisions made by the company or policymakers. Research statements of ethics for various business and political groups. Assume the role of a senior staff member of the chosen company or policymaking group and consider the following scenario: As a senior staff member at the chosen company or policymaking group, you must analyze the influences of ethics and legal exposure to the organization and provide appropriate advice to its management group. Create a 350- to 700-word Statement of Ethics in which you provide an outline of the organization's ideals as well as the rules employees are expected to follow for your chosen company or policymaking group. Write a 750- to 1,050-word Memorandum to the CEO or president of your chosen organization. Describe the process by which this statement of ethics should be reviewed and revised. Consider the public nature of this document and how stakeholders, competitors, and other interested parties may receive and react to it. Consider management hierarchies and how this information is to be disseminated through your organization and to the public. Support your choice and the advice given with findings from your readings and research. Note: Submit one paper with two separate sections. The first section must include the Statement of Ethics and the second section must include the memorandum to the CEO or President. Format your assignment according to APA guidelines. Include at least three scholarly references in your paper.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving global economy, organizations are increasingly under pressure to uphold ethical standards that reflect both societal expectations and their own corporate values. This paper selects Apple Inc., a leading multinational technology corporation, to analyze its ethical considerations over the past decade, particularly in light of global economic shifts and technological advancements. The report comprises a detailed Statement of Ethics tailored for Apple Inc., followed by a memorandum to the company's CEO recommending procedures for reviewing and updating this ethical framework, considering stakeholder perspectives and public accountability.
Background of Apple Inc.
Apple Inc. has been at the forefront of innovation in consumer electronics, software, and digital services. Over the last decade, the company has undergone significant changes, responding to global economic challenges, regulatory pressures, and societal demands for corporate responsibility. Notable developments include efforts to improve supply chain transparency, initiatives to reduce environmental impact, and policies addressing consumer privacy concerns. These changes reflect a strategic alignment with evolving ethical expectations and global standards (Lashinsky, 2012).
Evolution of Ethical Policies and External Influences
Historically, Apple’s early business model prioritized innovation and profitability, sometimes at the expense of ethical considerations concerning labor practices and environmental impact. However, rising global scrutiny, driven by economic, political, and social developments, prompted the company to enhance its ethical stance. For example, increased trade tensions and the rise of sustainability movements influenced Apple's efforts to ensure fair labor practices in its supply chain and to adopt environmentally friendly manufacturing processes (Duhigg & Barboza, 2012). Further, global economic shifts such as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for responsible business practices, particularly in ensuring employee safety and data privacy.
Ethical Issues and Decision-Making
Apple faced notable ethical challenges, including labor rights violations in manufacturing facilities, privacy breaches, and environmental sustainability concerns. The company's response involved adopting comprehensive supplier codes of conduct, investing in renewable energy, and publicly committing to ethical standards. However, balancing profit motives with ethical responsibilities remains complex, especially amid intense competitive pressures and rapidly changing regulations (Isaacson, 2011).
Statement of Ethics for Apple Inc.
Core Ideals
Apple Inc. is committed to innovation that enriches lives while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, respect, and responsibility. We value transparency, respect human rights, and strive for environmental sustainability in all our operations.
Employee Rules and Expectations
Employees are expected to uphold honesty, respect diversity, and act responsibly in business dealings. Confidentiality and data privacy are paramount, and sustainable practices must be integrated into daily operations. Ethical decision-making should guide all actions, and employees are encouraged to report unethical conduct without fear of retaliation.
Implementation and Compliance
All employees and affiliates will receive ongoing training on ethical standards. Compliance will be monitored through audits, and violations will lead to disciplinary action. Apple commits to continuously improving its ethical policies in response to global standards and stakeholder feedback.
Memorandum to the CEO: Reviewing and Revising the Statement of Ethics
To: Tim Cook, CEO, Apple Inc.
From: [Your Name], Senior Ethics Advisor
Date: [Current Date]
Subject: Process for Reviewing and Updating the Ethical Framework
The integrity of our organization relies on a dynamic and responsive ethical framework that aligns with evolving global standards and stakeholder expectations. To ensure our Statement of Ethics remains relevant and credible, I recommend establishing a dedicated Ethics Review Committee responsible for periodic assessment and revision of our ethical policies. This committee should include representatives from compliance, legal, human resources, and sustainability departments, as well as external advisors to incorporate diverse perspectives.
Annual reviews should be mandated, supplemented by ad hoc assessments following significant global events or regulatory changes. Transparency in this process is vital; therefore, updates must be communicated effectively across all levels of the organization through training sessions, internal communications, and publicly available reports.
Stakeholder engagement is also crucial. This can be achieved by soliciting feedback from customers, suppliers, community representatives, and regulators to identify emerging ethical concerns and expectations. Additionally, monitoring media and industry reports will help detect reputational risks early.
By institutionalizing a robust review process, Apple will reinforce its commitment to ethical excellence, mitigate legal and reputational risks, and demonstrate leadership in corporate responsibility. This proactive approach aligns with best practices and ensures our ethical standards evolve concurrently with the global environment.
Conclusion
Apple Inc.’s ongoing commitment to ethical integrity requires continuous reflection, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive policies. The proposed review process will help sustain stakeholder trust and enhance our corporate social responsibility efforts amidst global economic and societal changes.
References
- Duhigg, C., & Barboza, D. (2012). In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/ieconomy-apples-supply-chain-and-chinas-woes.html
- Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
- Lashinsky, A. (2012). Inside Apple: How America’s Most Admired—and Most Secretive—Corporation Really Works. Hachette Books.
- Lubin, G. (2014). Apple’s environmental responsibility: A case for sustainability. Harvard Business Review, 92(4), 52-59.
- Malik, M. (2015). Corporate social responsibility and ethics in the digital age. Journal of Business Ethics, 132(3), 587-601.
- McKinsey & Company. (2020). Sustainability and ethics in global supply chains. https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights
- Sharma, S., & Vredenburg, H. (2018). Managing Stakeholder Engagement: A Framework for Ethical Business. Journal of Business Ethics, 152(3), 807-824.
- Smith, J. (2019). Data privacy and corporate responsibility: A contemporary review. Journal of Business and Technology Law, 14(2), 235-256.
- World Economic Forum. (2021). The Global Risks Report 2021. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-risks-report-2021
- Zeitz, D. (2017). Corporate governance and ethics: Building sustainable organizations. Routledge.