Question.3855 - Learning Journal Unit 8
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Learning Journal Unit 8 Upadhi IzeagiUoPeople University BUS 3305-01 Business Law and Ethics October 31st, 2024 Learning Journal Unit 8 Considering the scenario presented, the ethical problems revolve around certain factors: Firstly, exploitation of labor by utilizing child labor and paying less than standardized wage tends to be an ethical violations, infringing on human rights, and in the longer run it will eventually compromise the overall welfare of workers and practicing child labor will condemn the employment moral principles, particularly in developed economies where ethical standards are highly regulated (Weiss, 2021). Secondly, environmental degradation by neglecting the existing practices contributing to pollution, deforestation, or other socio-ecological harm reflects poorly on the company's values and is ethically problematic, given the long-term harm to ecosystems and communities hampering an entire generation's understanding of the workforce that will take us back to stereotypical beliefs (Weiss, 2021). Thirdly, the reputation of the company's existing line of business practices damages the target audiences, making it appear exploitative and indifferent to human and environmental welfare, while the perception erodes customer trust by inviting social and regulatory scrutiny (Weiss, 2021). Lastly, considering labor laws, several countries impose stricter laws prohibiting child labor and mandating minimum wage standards; wherein violating these will result in substantial penalties like fines, sanctions and potential lawsuit (Weiss, 2021). In terms of supporting ethical behavior and improving reputation, wherein the companies should be able to adopt both internal and external strategies to support ethical behavior and regain its reputation, firstly, considering internal strategies like implementing code of ethics by developing and enforcing a code of ethics that apparently depicts acceptable and inappropriate behaviors, with authoritarian policies against child labor, unfair wages, and environmental dilapidation (Farmer, 2018). The code should apply to both internal operations and external suppliers. Also, conducting regular training programs for employees and partners on ethical business practices, emphasizing respect for labor rights and environmental responsibility by establishing training interventions in an integrated manner into onboarding processes and regularly updated (Farmer, 2018). Then, conducting internal audits and compliance checks by establishing a team dedicated to oversee compliance with labor laws, environmental regulations, and corporate ethical standards to ensure adherence to these policies (Farmer, 2018). While external strategies include supplier/partner accountabilities by developing stricter guidelines for all the external stakeholders including contract clauses mandating adherence to labor and environmental standards and also terminate partnerships with entities that fail to comply. Considering certain practices to changes wherein by discontinuing child labor conducting a thorough review of the supply chain in order to eliminate any association with child labor with a zero-tolerance policy should be strictly enforced; Secondly, setting a minimum wage policy after assessing what the industry is offering that respects local living wage standards and also not simplifying adhering to a minimum legal requirements in order to improve the overall working conditions that in turn will, in the long run will ensure safe environments and reasonable hours (Kemmis et al., 2013). Thirdly, employing independent third-party auditors to assess working conditions, environmental impact, and overall adherence to ethical standards, which will, in turn, ensure accountability and unbiased evaluation. Lastly, considering the role of corporate social responsibility establishes an ethical framework that allows companies to operate ethical while contributing positively to society, like aiding in improving brand image/reputation that commits the company to ethical practices to build a stronger consumer trust; secondly, CSR aids companies to reduce risk of legal action and regulatory fines in order to ensure compliance with labor and environmental laws. References Farmer, Y. (2018). Ethical decision making and reputation management in public relations.?Journal of Media Ethics,?33(1), 2-13. Kemmis, S., Wilkinson, J., Edwards-Groves, C., Hardy, I., Grootenboer, P., & Bristol, L. (2013).?Changing practices, changing education. Springer Science & Business Media. Weiss, J. W. (2021).?Business ethics: A stakeholder and issues management approach. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.More Articles From Business Management
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