Utilitarianism

• Globalisation

  • Those in developed countries have benefited from cheaper products and services.
  • The absence of rights provides little protection for the workers and therefore could make room for exploitation of the more vulnerable.
  • Globalisation has benefitted society as millions of people have been lifted out of poverty in countries such as China as a result of global trade.
  • The 'greatest good for the greatest number' idea would seem to support this point.
  • Singer - you cannot privilege your pleasure in profit and cheap goods over the suffering of exploited workers. No one is more valuable
• Whistleblowing

  • A utilitarian would ask whether the greater good is served by allowing this kind of corruption.
  • Covering up illegal activity would normally lead to greater harm for others.
  • However, if a cover up could lead to the greatest happiness, then it could be classed as morally acceptable.
  • Whistleblowers have to make calculations about the greater good or harm that many come from choosing to speak out or remain silent.
  • If the amount of pleasure didn't outweigh the pain, then whistleblowing might not be the best option.
• Social responsibility - Adam Smith

  • Believes that it may benefit businesses in the short term to overcharge customers and pay low wages to employees, but it will ultimately harm business reputation and make less money in the long term.
  • When a business provides a good service to others it will benefit the business in the long term even if the business is barely surviving.
  • This leads to greater business success for longer.
• Social responsibility

  • Act utilitarians make decision on individual cases
  • Rule utilitarian sees long term benefits of having a minimum wage, holiday entitlements means that a rule should be made on this issue
  • Utilitarians support CSR as the business benefits the majority of stakeholders.
  • However, it can be argued that as long as the outcome is the greatest happiness for the greatest number, then companies’ intentions are irrelevant.
  • Companies can use window dressing for profit as this profit and greed benefits employees and other stakeholders then the end justifies the means. 
• Good ethics = good business

  • Utilitarianism is primarily concerned with outcomes, rather than processes.
  • If the outcome leads to the greatest good for the greatest number, it is assumed the end justifies the means.
  • Utilitarianism promotes that businesses should behave ethically, but it doesn't guarantee it.
  • Rule utilitarian shows that expression 'anything goes' shouldn't apply to business.