An Ethical Issue Appeared in Professional Life in the Corporate Sector - Essay Example

Corporate Social Responsibility Module Module ID: Contents ……………………………………………………………………………………Page No. Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Part 1…………………………..……………………………………………………………….4 Part II…………………………………………………………………………………………..5 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………...8 References……………………………………………………………………………………..9 Abstract The present paper looks for identifying and elaborating an ethical issue appeared in professional life while working as the owner of an organization in the corporate sector. The paper also defines the dilemma a leader undergoes during successful launch of his leadership qualities particularly under the state of perfect competition as well as the uncertain and unpredictable market situation at global scale. The paper is also interested in developing a powerful professional code of ethics, which will not allow the corporations and organizations to violate from the moral obligations and ethical values decided and determined by the leadership and the society at large for the best interest of the public. The paper also describes the methods to keep ethical code in priority in order to maintain rule of morality and law in society in general and within the organization in particular. Part I I have been working as CEO of ABC Tobacco Company for the last five years, and maintain the credit of multiplying the business volume of my company to almost three fold from the time I assumed the position afore-mentioned. We prepare high quality tobacco for the cigars and cigarettes that produce alluring aroma, and hence, captivates the attraction of smokers and even non-smokers too to some extent. Thus, refined high quality, bewitching fragrance, delicate presentation, stylish packing and economical cost make our product as a very popular brand at regional level. It is therefore the sales volume of our cigarettes is in constant increase, and our company has also brought the characteristics of the product in limelight through advertising campaign at print and electronic media. Somehow, arrival of new brands at low prices has affected our sales, and profit volume may also witness downfall. Consequently, our marketing and advertising department has proposed the advertising of our product outside schools, colleges, universities and health clubs, so that it could fascinate the youth and thus they start buying and consuming the product both secretly and openly. It is a fact beyond suspicion that youth serves as the most emotional and thrilling stratum of society, which appears to be ready to enter into adventures and create excitement in one way or the other. Additionally, harmful, destructive and risky adventures particularly capture their attention, and they are determined to violate the law and thus get involved into the activities the norms, values, mores, traditions and statutes of prevailing law of their society prohibits them to do the same. It is therefore, the young boys and girls, under the age of majority, try to enter the dance or gay clubs and get indulged into smoking, chemical and alcoholic dependency and sexual intercourse as well just for the sake of pleasure seeking. Hence, they unconsciously deteriorate their health on the one hand, and challenge the existing law and ethics on the other. Such kind of violation not only turns out to be dangerous for them, but also it entices the class-fellows, friends and peers too to perform the same in private, and thus bear the brunt of the consequences of such activities on their mental and physical health. However, the youth cannot be blamed for doing this all, and the cigarettes and alcoholic manufacturing companies are equally responsible for the moral and physical plummet of the youth. Hence, instead of helping the authorities in creating a healthy and vigorous society and nation, the companies projecting and advertising the cigarettes and alcohol to youth are actually determined to make a criminal, weak and sick society, convalescence of which would take many decades to come eventually. Since our company is well aware of the bitter reality that producing such things like tobacco, alcohol and others are jeopardizing for the consumers especially for youth, so launching of campaign near educational institutions and health clubs that are frequently visited by youth is seriously immoral and is subsequently against the principles of professional ethics. As a result, selling the products that the company knows are harmful or addictive to consumers creates ethical dilemma in its wake. Part II Like all other firms, corporations and organizations, our company has also developed a comprehensive code of ethics, observing of which is vehemently essential to follow for all staff members of the company. We strictly observe the following ethics while exercising our corporate activities: We adhere to manufacturing and producing the cigarettes and cigars that contain refined tobacco in it. Hence, we do not make any compromise on the quality of the product at any cost. We are well-acquainted with the reality that several competitors companies have decreased the quality in order to minimize the manufacturing cost, but we stick to our commitment of presenting all that has been mentioned regarding the characteristics of the product. The aromatic cigarettes not only make the mood fresh after every puff, but also create pleasant smell in order to make the environment fragrant one. Thus, light type of tobacco is comparatively less harmful and more refreshing one for the consumers. Moreover, we stick to sell our product to adults only; as a result, we will seek the attention of the adult members of society so that no adolescent could get fascinated by the advertising campaign commenced by the marketing department of our company. Our company is determined to print warning caution at every packet as well as on every signboard, leaflet and flyer etc that is to be prepared for the advertising of the product. Hence, unlike our rival companies, we aim to fulfill our commitment in respect of warning the consumers regarding the harmful affects of tobacco consumption. Our company knows it very well that such type of dangerous cautions may change the mind of the consumers in respect of buying and consuming the product, but we have decided to offer our product to the people who have already been consuming tobacco. Thus, we attract them to consume pure and high quality cigarettes and cigars, carrying refreshing flavors and bewitching fragrance against economical rates as well as without any inclusion of hidden addictive material altogether. Consequently, our advertising campaign, according to our ethical code, is for the lovers of refined tobacco instead of inviting the non-smokers and youth. The code of ethics articulated for the ABC Tobacco Company has conveyed to the managers, executives and employees to observe integrity, honesty and fair play, and make hard efforts diligently in order to fulfill the commitments made with the consumers regarding the agreements signed for producing the product within the promised time period. They have been instructed not to get involved into any activity that comes under the definition of the violation of rule. They have been given instruction to assure strict observing of ethical code, where no addictive material should be included in the cigarettes in order to increase the sale of the product. The rival companies include some opium, hash and other addictive material that sooths the consumers and they demand the same product more and more. However, it not only harms their physical condition, but also makes the consumers addictive of the same drugs for the future days to come. Hence, the company follows Kant’s duty based ethical code, “which states that fidelity to principle and duty are the most important. Kant stressed that the consequences of one’s actions do not matter and that the way in which a person acts determines if the actions are ethical.” (Carlson & Luhrs, 2007:1) Since we are well aware of the fast growing competition between the manufacturers, our marketing department had once suggested launching our marketing venture outside the health and fitness centers as well as near educational institutions. However, our mission statement and code of ethics do not support such type of marketing plan that is not only against the ethical code, but also indirectly violates the very statute of the prevailing law. It is due to the very fact that our company aims to participate in the charity programs related to the health and well being of the children and youth. Furthermore, our company has developed the code of ethics, which manifestly claims to keep the members of society far away from becoming the prey to immorality and deviancy. Since smoking and chemical dependency pave the way towards perversion and deviant behavior for the youth, our company does not allow such immorality and corruption at any cost. It is therefore, we manifestly print warning caution on every packet that alerts the sellers and distributors that they are not allowed to sell tobacco to the minors and youth. At one side, our company undergoes the fear of decrease in the sales volume of our products, because of the inclusion of several local and international brands, and on the other side, there is the evident probability of violating the code of conduct the company has developed for the staff. Consequently, ethical dilemma raises its awkward head under the perils regarding loss of profit volume. Somehow, our company has devised other schemes to combat with the challenge that does not violate code of conduct introduced by the company. Instead of seducing the youth towards smoking, the company will launch the cigarettes with different flavors in order to supercede the competitors and rivals. Such type of presentation will definitely be a step ahead in comparison to the rivals at the state of perfect competition. To conclude, it becomes crystal clear that honesty, integrity, fair play and commitment to our work are distinctive marks of our business ethics, and we do not violate any rule established for the employers and employees. The benefits of the employees as well as protection of the public interest is vital for us; it is therefore, neither we produce or sell a low quality product, nor do we entice and induce the minors, students and youth to consume tobacco, as it may put their health in jeopardy. Reference Carlson, Michael & Luhrs, Chris (2007) The Ethics of Tobacco Marketing By Michael Carlson and Chris Retrieved from http://www.ethicapublishing.com/confronting/5CH9.pdf Read More