Business Ethics Flashcards
(41 cards)
What does CSR stand for?
Corporate Social Responsibility
What is the main idea of CSR?
Businesses have responsibilities not just to shareholders, but also to stakeholders.
Who are stakeholders?
Anyone affected by the business, including employees, customers, and the wider community.
What is environmental CSR?
Businesses have a responsibility not to destroy the environment.
What is social CSR?
Businesses must avoid mistreating employees, customers, or communities (e.g., fair wages, safe working conditions).
How would Utilitarians view environmental CSR?
They generally support it if it maximises happiness.
How would Utilitarians view social CSR?
It depends on the situation—exploitation may be justified if it maximises happiness.
How would Kant view CSR violations?
All CSR violations treat people as a mere means, which is morally wrong.
What is globalisation?
The interconnectedness of world economies, cultures, and politics, making businesses global entities.
What ethical issues does globalisation raise?
Offshore outsourcing, job loss, exploitation, and political influence.
How does globalisation lead to monopolies?
Big businesses can crush competition and dominate markets.
How would Utilitarians view globalisation?
They support free markets but disapprove if it reduces happiness (e.g., through exploitation).
How would Kant view globalisation?
He opposes it if it involves exploitation or treats people as means.
What is whistleblowing?
Going public with information about unethical practices in a business.
What is an upside and downside of whistleblowing?
It stops unethical practices but may cause bankruptcy and job losses.
Is whistleblowing protected in the UK?
Yes, it is legally protected; employers can’t retaliate.
How would Utilitarians view whistleblowing?
It depends on the consequences—whether it increases or reduces happiness.
How would Kant view whistleblowing?
It’s morally right because unethical practices treat people as mere means, and lying is wrong.
What are sweatshops?
Factories with poor conditions, low pay, often violating CSR.
How are sweatshops connected to globalisation?
They are a consequence of outsourcing and cost-cutting in global business.
How might Utilitarians defend sweatshops?
If they increase happiness by providing jobs where there are none.
What is Kant’s view on sweatshops?
They’re wrong because they treat people as mere means.
What is Rule Utilitarianism’s take on sweatshops?
They may be acceptable short-term but should be phased out.
What happened when Primark cut ties with a sweatshop?
Workers lost jobs and were worse off, showing unintended harm.
