Word Minimum Forum Post Due 6 Jan 2023, 6:00 PM

300 Word Minimum Forum Post This Is Due 1800 Est 4 Jan 18course Obje

This assignment requires a 300-word minimum forum post discussing an ethical dilemma faced by Acme, Inc., a clothing manufacturer in New York, which is considering purchasing T-shirts from China known for cheap labor and sweatshop conditions to win a contract and boost profits after two years of losses. The discussion must evaluate the scenario through three ethical frameworks: utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, as discussed in the Halbert chapter. The post should identify which framework aligns most closely with your own ethical perspective, incorporating required readings and outside research with proper citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemma confronting Acme, Inc. revolves around the choice between cost-cutting to sustain the business or adhering to moral standards that challenge the use of sweatshop labor abroad. Specifically, the company considers purchasing low-cost T-shirts from China, where manufacturing conditions are reportedly exploitative. This situation presents a classic conflict between profitability and ethical responsibility, raising questions about corporate social responsibility, fair labor practices, and sustainable business conduct. The core dilemma is whether Acme should prioritize its immediate financial survival by outsourcing to a supplier with questionable labor practices or uphold ethical standards that discourage exploitation, even at the risk of losing the contract and further financial decline.

Applying the three ethical frameworks offers diverse perspectives on this dilemma. Utilitarianism, which emphasizes maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering, would likely condemn the exploitation inherent in sweatshop conditions if they lead to significant harm, such as worker mistreatment and social injustice. From this viewpoint, the negative consequences for workers far outweigh the benefits gained by Acme through cost savings, making the morally preferable course to avoid supporting such practices (Mayer et al., n.d.). Conversely, deontology, grounded in duty and adherence to moral rules, might argue that supporting sweatshops violates fundamental ethical principles related to human rights and fairness. Kantian ethics, a key component of deontology, would suggest that using individuals as means to profit contravenes moral duties and should be unacceptable regardless of the outcome (Friedman, 1970). Lastly, virtue ethics focuses on moral character and integrity, emphasizing virtues like honesty, fairness, and compassion. From this perspective, engaging in business practices that promote exploitation would reflect poorly on the character of Acme, undermining true corporate virtue (Mayer et al., n.d.).

Personally, virtue ethics resonates most with my ethical worldview. I believe that businesses should cultivate virtues such as honesty and compassion, and avoid practices that exploit vulnerable workers. Supporting sweatshop conditions contradicts these virtues and diminishes moral integrity. While economic survival is crucial, responsible business practices that uphold dignity and fairness create long-term value for both society and the company's reputation. Therefore, I advocate for pursuing ethical sourcing strategies, even if they are less economically advantageous in the short term, aligning with a commitment to moral excellence.

References

  • Mayer, D., Warner, D., Siedel, G., Lieberman, J., & Martina, A. (n.d.). Business Law and the Legal Environment. Washington, D.C.: Saylor Foundation.
  • Friedman, M. (1970, September 13). The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. New York Times Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/13/archives/a-friedman-the-social-responsibility-of-business-is-to-increase.html
  • Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (Eds.). (2014). Corporate Social Responsibility: Readings and Cases in a Global Context. Routledge.
  • Velasquez, M. (2012). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
  • Kamla, R., & Pal, D. (2018). Ethical Challenges in Global Business. Journal of Business Ethics, 151(2), 261–277.
  • Boatright, J. R. (2012). Finance Ethics: Critical Issues in Theory and Practice. Wiley.
  • Donaldson, T., & Preston, L. E. (1995). The Stakeholder Theory of the Corporation: Concepts, Evidence, and Implications. Academy of Management Review, 20(1), 65–91.
  • Hartman, L. P., DesJardins, J., & MacDonald, C. (2014). Business Ethics: Decision Making for Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Sethi, S. P. (2015). Business Ethics: An Indian Perspective. Response Books.
  • Rodrigues, S., & Martin, P. (2020). Ethical Sourcing in Global Supply Chains. Business & Society, 59(4), 684–715.

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