BE discussion questions

• Is corporate religious responsibility nothing more than 'hypocritical window dressing' covering greed of business intent on making profit?

  • some market themselves as ethical - better for the environment or by donating to charity. Although some businesses are deeply motivated by social concerns - other is is so they can increase profits
  • hypocritical if they used CSR to cover their real intentions - e.g. car manufacturers to be environmentally friendly but release more carbon Volkswagen as an example
  • Friedman - not the responsibility of the company - TIMES HAVE CHANGED
  • 1980s - privatisation
• Can human beings flourish in the context of capitalism and consumerism?

  • consumerism grants individuals the power to make choices and acquire more products - drives the economy
  • mass market in western countries
  • Capitalism is linked to the Protestant work ethic -- idea that working hard is key and an aspect of salvation
  • capitalism incentivises human interest - self interest in the outcome
  • encourages the pursuit of wealth and greed
  • reduces ideas towards the planet - moral corruption
• Does globalisation encourage or discourage the pursuit of good ethics as the foundation of good business?

  • good ethics = good business -- strong ethical foundation will improve business - customers prefer ethical businesses
  • TNC's central to globalisation
  • globalisation is not good -- seen with the west during the industrial revolution, Charles Dickens (utilitarian ideas)
  • just want cheap goods
  • microsoft - donated over $1 billion to charity since 1983,
  • unemployment in the west
• Top 100 most ethical businesses:

  • Aflac Incorporated -  Philanthropy, Fair purchasing, ethical supply chain - $252 million on sustainable framework in communities
  • PepsiCo - Sustainable agriculture, positive value chain -
  • Kellogg Co. -  Zero-waste, sustainable agriculture - 100% recyclable packaging