Ethical and environmental issues

Question 1

What doe ethical mean?

Answer 1

The organisation should be ethical. this means they show moral consideration for others when making decisions.

Question 2

What are advantages of ethical?

Answer 2

• Awards can be granted for being ethical, which can be used for promotional purposes.
• Businesses with an ethical reputations can attract customers and quality staff who agree with their principles.

Question 3

What are disadvantages of ethical?

Answer 3

• Audits are needed to ensure standards are met and maintained, which may be time consuming.
• Decision-making could be more complex and time consuming as many possible solutions may not be appropriate because they are not ethical.

Question 4

What is philanthropy?

Answer 4

Philanthropy means having a ‘love for humanity’. In other words, giving to those in need. This could be through charitable donations, giving away goods or setting up a charitable trust as part of the organisation

Question 5

What is animal welfare?

Answer 5

These are concerns for the treatment and wellbeing of animals. This might include the conditions that animals are kept in, the way they are handled, animal testing and the use of animal-derived ingredients.

Question 6

What are examples of ways that organisations can prove their commitment to animal welfare?

Answer 6

• The ‘leaping bunny’ symbol awarded to products entirely cruelty free.
• The free range classification of eggs and egg-derived products.
• The use of synthetic materials rather than leather, fur or wool.

Question 7

What is fair trade?

Answer 7

Fair trade is when the supplier of raw materials receive a guaranteed and fair price for their goods. Fair trade also ensures that employees in the supply chain are treated fairly.

Question 8

What are advantages of fair trade?

Answer 8

• Businesses are awarded the Fairtrade mark on their products, which can appeal to customers.
• Stocking fair trade goods demonstrates the retailer’s ethical commitment to its customers.
• Businesses that are fair trade have a positive impact on the producers of the raw materials with which they work and have a better relationship with the supply chain.

Question 9

What are disadvantage of fair trade?

Answer 9

• Losing a Fairtrade mark after gaining one will result in bad publicity.
• Fair trade products are often more expensive.
• The business has a more limited choice of supplier.

Question 10

What are environmental issues?

Answer 10

Organisations should do their bit to help the environment.

Question 11

What are advantages of environmental issues?

Answer 11

• The organisation plays a part in looking after the environment that will hopefully sustain their activities for the future.
• Having a positive effect on the environment will ensure the organisation gains a positive reputation.
• Awards can be granted for being ‘environmentally friendly’, which can bed used for promotional purposes.
• Renewable energy saves costs in the long run as fuels such as oil, petrol or gas don’t need to be paid for.

Question 12

What are disadvantages of environmental issues?

Answer 12

• Investment in environmentally friendly measures will be expensive in the short term, e.g. installing solar panels.
• New procedures may have to be adapted to be more environmentally friendly, which can take time.
• Most environmentally friendly procedures rely on the natural environment, which may not be sufficient, e.g. lack of wind, solar energy, etc.