business ethics essay plans

Question 1

GLOBALISATION AND GOOD ETHICS ESSAY PLAN

Question 2

How does globalization encourage good business due to opportunities and benefits? ( paragraph one)

Answer 2

Argument: Countries across the globe are able to interact with one another.
Businesses can move to places which are cheaper to work in and where people are more willing to work as well as try their products.
Transport is faster, money can be moved easier etc. Good ethics as helping poorer countries!

Question 3

What is a criticism of globalization regarding the exploitation of poorer workers?

Answer 3

counter argument: But the employees and countries are often exploited.
Global business drains some countries of their natural resources without returning appropriate money for doing so whilst employees in sweat shops work in dire conditions.
No sweat movement: fights against sweatshop exploitation.

Question 4

What is the free choice defense of globalization?

Answer 4

response: But the people choose to work there! Not forced to.
“In a typical developing nation, if you’re able to work for an American multinational, you make eight times the average wage. That’s why people are lining up to get these jobs” (John Norbeg- In Global Defence of Capitalism).
The people choose to work in these conditions and are able to have a better life because of it?

J S Mill Liberal principle – individual is best judge of their interests, should be free from state interference.

Question 5

What is a criticism of the free choice defense in globalization?

Answer 5

counter response: But companies could do more to ensure the employees and countries are being treated fairly.
Amnesty International campaigns for a global human rights framework for business based on the UN Norms for Business.
Still allow for globalization to occur but have stricter regulations, perhaps the minimum wage/work conditions to meet the standards of the country the business is from.

Question 6

What is the perspective on good business regarding following the law?
( paragraph 2)

Answer 6

argument: Following the law is all that matters. Global businesses follow rules (e.g., tax evasion- don’t declare v tax avoidance- putting in offshore accounts).
If they follow the law, that’s all that matters; good ethics can merely be following legalities. Milton Friedman – ‘the business of a business is business’ –
a good business is one that has good profits, don’t HAVE to encourage good ethics but by following laws in a way they are!

Question 7

What is a criticism of the perspective that following the law is all that matters in business?

Answer 7

counter argument: Bad ethics can lead to profit loss. If the employees aren’t treated well, the company may develop a bad name and may lose profits through this.

no contradiction between existing good values in business behavior & success- “profits will come as a consequence” of good business / “an ethical business is more likely to prosper”.
For example, the treatment of workers in Primark factories is awful and the company has developed a bad name for themselves. Globalization therefore discourages good business as it lacks good ethics.

Question 8

How does the principle of utility support the argument that following laws in business is sufficient?

Answer 8

response: Despite supposedly “bad ethics,” Primark is still able to prosper and has a $9 billion net worth.
Suggests the majority of people don’t object to their behavior.
Utilitarianism: greatest good for greatest number! By using sweatshops, they are able to produce low-cost clothes which is what the customer wants- although some suffer, the majority of people benefit.

Question 9

What criticism is raised against the principle of utility in business ethics?

Answer 9

counter response:
• But this may overlook the individual needs of persons, such as employees – justifying poor treatment is exceedingly unethical!!

• Equally, with a globalising business market it is sometimes hard to look out for the benefits of all, when decisions in one country may have impacts on workers in another country which is equally important!
• Nicolas drew on natural law to come to this conclusion, solidarity “means being in touch with the needs of communities; striving for the common good particularly by looking for ways of helping under privileged communities”
• As Globalization does not do this it discourages good ethics

Question 10

How does globalization treat people according to the “means to an end” perspective?
(paragraph 3)

Answer 10

argument:
In Globalisation people are used as a means to an end! The countries and people are exploited for the profit of one business
• Nicholas reinforces this idea “each person can never be merely an instrument valued just for their usefulness”

Question 11

What is a benefit of globalization according to the “encourages interaction” perspective?

Answer 11

counter argument:
• It encourages interaction with other countries, this is helping people’s interaction with foreign countries and perhaps reducing the amount of racism

Question 12

What is a criticism of the idea that globalization encourages interaction?

Answer 12

response:
• But Globalisation still takes away the countries rights partially

• Nicholas advocated subsidiarity: belief that decisions should be made at the lowest level compatible with efficiency

• “Desirable it should be done by them rather than by the means of government” (Mill)

Question 13

GENERAL ESSAY PLAN – USED FOR KANT/ UTILITARIANISM

Question 14

How does Utilitarianism contribute to business ethics?

Answer 14

Utilitarianism offers an effective approach to business ethics by aiming to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number

This enables the practice of CSR, as the people managing the business will have a duty to consider the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, and the environment.

Question 15

What is a criticism of the principle of utility regarding individual workers?

Answer 15

counter argument:
Yet as with all teleological normative theories, the principle of utility may undermine rights of individual workers, especially in the case of Act Utilitarianism, which is quantitative not qualitative

The greater good may be considered as cheap products for thousands of customers, therefore justifying the exploitation of poorly paid child-labourers in sweatshops, as is the case for Nike factory workers. à Kant’s is more effective, due to idea of not treating individuals as means to an end.

Question 16

How does the hedonic calculus address the issue of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain?

Answer 16

response: Although the principle of utility may enable people to favour the happiness of some over the pain of others, the hedonic calculus, when used correctly, will weigh up the intensity and duration of the pain/pleasure over one another, to ensure ethical practise.

Ford Pinto may have appeared to use the hedonic calculus to do a cost/ benefit analysis, but Bentham would argue the impacts of people dying through fires caused in cars would have long lasting and intense impacts, far greater than the profits made.

Question 17

What is a critique of relying on the hedonic calculus in business decision-making?

Answer 17

counter response: It would be arguably impossible to calculate the accurate impacts of business decisions in the globalised world, using the hedonic calculus, as decisions impact a number of people across the world and cannot always be predicted à Thus a deontological approach, ensuring businesses act as legislating members in a kingdom of ends, universalising their maxims to judge whether their decisions contradict the will, ensures ethical practise from the offset.

Question 18

Why might a teleological approach be considered more practical for business ethics?
( papra 2)

Answer 18

argument:
Arguably, a teleological approach is more practical for business ethics, as a business must be able to develop profits, which in turn will allow for ethical treatment and sourcing/benefit of society. Solomon notes that “profits will come as a consequence” of good business, suggesting that “an ethical business is more likely to prosper.”

Question 19

What criticism exists for businesses acting ethically only after profits have been generated?

Answer 19

counter argument:
Yet if ethical treatment comes after profits have been generated, this suggests the company is acting out of baser motives and not “duty for duty’s sake”
• In the case of whistleblowing, a utilitarian may discourage an employee from speaking out against unethical employers for the sake of allowing the company to continue making profits. à This, in turn, goes against both Kant and Mill’s ideas of individual liberty and autonomy, as workers may be coerced into staying quiet

Question 20

How does utilitarianism view whistleblowing?

Answer 20

utilitarianism focuses on the overall good (of people and not just profits), thus if blowing the whistle brings about a greater good over pain, then it could be permitting e.g. Samuel Provance, an army intelligence soldier, blew the whistle on a cover-up involving abuses at Abu Ghraib – he was demoted and discharged in 2006 à the intensity of the suffering inflicted in Abu Ghraib made it the right choice to blow the whistle, even if this impacted negatively on the profits of the business.

Question 21

What is Milton Friedman’s view on the social responsibility of businesses?

Answer 21

response: Milton Friedman, in ‘The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Profits,’ has challenged the idea of corporate social responsibility, arguing that the only aim of a business is “to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game.”

Question 22

How does a Kantian approach suggest ethical practice impacts business profits?

Answer 22

counter response:
A Kantian approach suggests that following the duty of ethical treatment will, in fact, increase a business’s profits. Crane and Matten, in ‘Business Ethics,’ argue that it is in a business’s interest, as well as the interest of stakeholders, to develop good business ethics.

Question 23

Why might Utilitarianism’s holistic approach to business ethics be problematic?
(para 3)

Answer 23

argument:

Overall, it seems Utilitarianism’s holistic approach leaves too much room for exploitation. By applying a deontological approach, it prevents companies from justifying exploitation or dishonesty, as one is forced to imagine maxims as laws of nature.

Question 24

What is the argument for the sovereignty of businesses and individualism?

Answer 24

Some may argue that such a rigid deontological approach to business ethics prevents businesses from having sovereignty. Indeed, classical Utilitarians such as Mill and Bentham were committed to free market economics with minimal state intervention. Adam Smith, in ‘The Wealth of Nations,’ speaks of the “invisible hand” of the free-market system; we don’t need rigid deontological theories as humans have an innate compassion and sense of respect for others, which would enable a naturally humane capitalist economy.

Question 25

How can Kant’s three formulations of the Categorical Imperative ensure flourishing and prevent state intervention?

Answer 25

• Although we may like to think businesses would naturally avoid exploitation it is evident this is not the case. In today’s capitalist society we must use Kant’s categorical imperative to ensure business is regulated.
• Development of human rational capacities and dignity through making decisions in accordance to the Categorical Imperative, which ensures just treatment of all. Companies must see themselves as part of a wider community and thus work towards a common good where everyone can flourish.
• Acting socially responsibly may prevent government legislation, which forces businesses into contracts which prohibit their sovereignty à overall good ethics helps the business and the people it affects J

Question 26

GOOD ETHICS AS GOOD BUSINESS – “
To what extent is a business responsible for its employees?”
“Good ethics makes good business”
“The only concern of business should be to make a profit”

Question 27

Why might some argue that businesses don’t need to look after employees or customers?
( para 1)

Answer 27

Businesses don’t need to look after employees/customers because a good business is solely defined by how much profit the business is making. Ethics doesn’t determine the success of a business. Milton Friedman argued that ‘the business of a business is business’ and that ethics doesn’t determine its success.

Question 28

How can poor treatment of employees affect a business?

Answer 28

CA: If the employees aren’t treated well, the company may develop a bad name and may lose profits through this. Solomon states that there is no contradiction between existing good values in business behavior and success; “profits will come as a consequence” of good business, and “an ethical business is more likely to prosper.” For example, the treatment of workers in Primark factories is awful, and the company has developed a bad name for themselves.

Question 29

What is the “better than nothing” defense in the context of treating employees poorly?

Answer 29

The “better than nothing” defense suggests that even if employees are treated poorly, they are still being given employment. The National Centre for Policy Analysis suggests “Better a lousy job than no job at all.”

Question 30

What is the slippery slope argument against the “better than nothing” defense?

Answer 30

CA: The slippery slope argument suggests that making excuses for bad morals is dangerous. Kant believes morality should not differ within business and that one should act as if making rules in a ‘kingdom of ends.’ Making excuses wouldn’t work if everyone was acting in this way.

Question 31

Why does Kant argue that businesses should prioritize ethics?
( para 2)

Answer 31

Kant, in his ‘Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals’, highlights the importance of respect for persons. We have a duty to recognize autonomy and freedom, ensuring that we do not exploit employees for a profit. Nicholas reinforces this idea, stating “each person can never be merely an instrument valued just for their usefulness.”

Question 32

What is the counterargument to Kant’s view on prioritizing ethics in business?

Answer 32

CA:
businesses can be respectful towards employees once they have made profits and that it is not the first priority. Eamon Smith believes businesses do recognize their responsibility within the wider public, but ultimately they are concerned with business alone. The legality defense suggests that complying with rules is all that is needed.

Question 33

What is Kant’s stance on the first duty of businesses?

Answer 33

Kant says we should judge businesses on their intentions and motivations. Businesses should not be egotistical and act out of self-interest; they should intend to look after employees as their first duty. Profits should come as a result of ethical behavior. For example, ENRON was only focused on profits, highlighting that it is not the success of the business but their actions that count.

Question 34

What is the criticism of Kant’s theory in the context of business?

Answer 34

CR: • Kant’s theory only works for an ideal world – in a practical world, businesses should be allowed to be flexible and look at both profits, customers and employees
• Following our ‘duty’ at all times is inflexible and unrealistic in business, where a business is founded on money

Question 35

What is the utilitarian principle for business ethics? ( para 3)

Answer 35

Business should aim to seek “the greatest good for the greatest number,” therefore we should be responsible for employees, customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Peter Singer’s preference utilitarianism also highlights the importance of looking after animals and the environment. Bentham was concerned with rights for the working class and introduced many reforms to improve working conditions.

Question 36

What is a counterargument to the utilitarian principle in business?

Answer 36

ca: The principle of utility may overlook the individual needs of persons, such as employees. This could justify the poor treatment of, for example, Nike workers in factories for lower prices for customers. Additionally, with a globalizing business market, it is sometimes hard to look out for the benefits of all when decisions in one country may impact workers in another country

Question 37

How does the hedonic calculus address the counterargument to utilitarianism in business?

Answer 37

The hedonic calculus, when used correctly, will weigh up the intensity and duration of the pain/pleasure over one another to ensure ethical practice. For example, although Ford Pinto appeared to use the hedonic calculus to do a cost/benefit analysis, Bentham would argue that the impacts of people dying through fires caused in cars would have long-lasting and intense impacts, far greater than the profits made. Mill places a huge emphasis on the sovereignty of persons, considering all employees as individuals as well as looking to make profits. Businesses should never favor profit over employees and should seek an equal balance for all.

Question 38

what is the conclusion

Answer 38

CONCLUSION
So, yes, we should be responsible, but we need to follow a utilitarian approach, not a Kantian one!