Week 4 Assignment 1 Submission Click The Link Above T 379612

Week 4 Assignment 1 Submissionclick The Link Above To Submit Your Assi

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 not 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. Ideas could include tobacco, soda, alcohol, casinos, or candy companies, just to name a few. Write a one and a half to two (1 ½ - 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. Make sure to include details on the role capitalism plays in corporate decision-making. Use at least two (2) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment 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. Click here to view the grading rubric.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethics surrounding industry targeting and consumer choice in the context of free trade is a compelling issue that touches on fundamental principles of morality, capitalism, and public health. For this paper, I will advocate for the consumer, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy, the ethical responsibilities of corporations, and the role that capitalism plays in shaping corporate decisions.

Supporting consumers’ right to make their own choices is rooted in the principle of autonomy, a core tenet of ethical philosophy. Consumers should have the freedom to decide whether to purchase products like tobacco, soda, or alcohol, even if these products carry health risks. Limiting consumer choice can be viewed as paternalistic and infringes upon personal liberty. From an ethical standpoint, respecting individual autonomy aligns with Kantian ethics, which emphasize treating individuals as ends rather than means. Restricting access to certain products can paternalistically undermine personal responsibility and the capacity for informed decision-making.

However, it is also necessary to acknowledge that some industries target vulnerable populations, exacerbating social inequalities and health disparities. For instance, tobacco companies historically targeted low-income communities and youth to maximize sales, raising significant ethical concerns. This targeting behavior shifts the moral responsibility onto corporations, suggesting that while consumers have the right to choose, companies have an obligation to avoid exploiting vulnerabilities for profit. The ethical debate intensifies when considering the burden placed on society by health-related consequences attributed to such industries.

Capitalism plays a central role in corporate decision-making, often prioritizing profit maximization over public welfare. This pursuit can lead to ethically questionable practices, such as marketing unhealthy products aggressively or lobbying against regulatory measures. Nonetheless, capitalism also incentivizes innovation, economic growth, and consumer choice, which can be beneficial when companies act ethically and transparently. A purely profit-driven model may, however, conflict with societal interests, especially when health and safety are at stake.

Ethically, companies have a responsibility to balance profit motives with social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles suggest that firms should consider the long-term impacts of their actions, including public health consequences. For example, tobacco companies that implement harm reduction strategies or promote informed choice demonstrate a more ethical stance, aligning corporate interests with societal well-being.

Addressing the ethical concerns in industries such as alcohol, soda, or gambling requires policies that respect individual choice while protecting vulnerable groups. Education campaigns, responsible marketing practices, and transparent labeling can help promote informed decisions without entirely restricting freedom. Governments and regulatory bodies also play a vital role in setting boundaries that prevent exploitative practices.

In conclusion, advocating for consumers’ rights involves recognizing their autonomy to make choices while urging corporations to adopt ethical practices that prevent exploitation. Capitalism's influence on corporate decision-making can be harnessed positively through regulation, corporate responsibility, and consumer education, fostering a market environment that respects individual freedoms and safeguards public health.

References

• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
• Friedman, M. (1970). The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. The New York Times Magazine.
• Hartman, L. P., DesJardines, J. R., & MacDonald, C. (2014). Business Ethics: Decision Making for Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Jones, T. M. (1991). Ethical decision making by individuals in organizations: An issue-Contingent model. Academy of Management Review, 16(2), 366-395.
• Kaptein, M. (2011). Understanding unethical behavior by unraveling ethical culture. Human Relations, 64(6), 843-869.
• Schwartz, M. S. (2004). The nature of the relationship between corporate ethics and social responsibility. Business Ethics Quarterly, 14(4), 547-558.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.
• Werhane, P. H. (1999). Moral imagination and enterprise ethics. Business Ethics Quarterly, 9(1), 75-89.
• Williams, R. (2013). Ethical capitalism and consumer autonomy. Journal of Business Ethics, 115(2), 351-364.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Guidelines on alcohol and health. WHO Press.