Public interest in business ethics is at an all-time high. This may be due to an

Question

Public interest in business ethics is at an all-time high. This may be due to an apparent increase in corporate scandals over the past two decades, or a result of societal changes, whereby immoral management practices will no longer be tolerated. The following questions explore the importance of business ethics, particularly in relation to the consumer.

a) Demonstrate your understanding of Immoral, Amoral and Moral approaches to management by briefly explaining each approach to management and providing a relevant example of an associated strategy or behaviour.

b) Do you believe it is ethical for food companies to advertise junk food? Do you believe there should be some restrictions put in place? Justify your answer.

c) From Carroll and Buchholtz (2014), there are five types of self-regulation in advertising. Describe TWO different types of self-regulation in advertising. Which type do you think is most effective and why?

Explanation / Answer

Business ethics is application of ethical principles to business relationships and activities. When managers assume social responsibility, it is believed they will do it ethically, that is, they know what is right and wrong.

a] Let's understand what is Immoral, Amoral and Moral approaches

1] Immoral Approaches- It implies lack of ethical practices followed by managers. Managers want to maximise profits even if it is at the cost of legal standards or concern for employees. They are the classic example of self-serving greed which they term as “simply business.” They are willing to do any kind of corrupt practices to get what they want. A key to detect immoral behaviour would be a person who involves in shady work, hiding mistakes, slacking in work, lying about skills and experience,

2] Amoral Approaches- This type of management ethics lies between moral and immoral management ethics. Managers respond to personal and legal ethics only if they are required to do so; otherwise there is lack of ethical perception and awareness. There are 2 types of Amoral approaches Intentional and Unintentional. Managers deliberately avoid ethical practices in business decisions because they think ethics should be followed in non-business activities, this is an Intentional amoral approach while Managers do not deliberately avoid ethical practices but unintentionally they make decisions whose moral implications are not taken into consideration is unintentional.

3] Moral Approaches-According to moral management ethics, managers aim to maximise profits within the confines of ethical values and principles.They often operate well above what the law requires of them.It is important to remember that a moral manager is also very ambitious and has the drive to succeed. They, therefore, pursue business success, but he pursues these goals within the parameters of ethical norms. The law, in the form of corporate governance, is the minimum, and the moral manager follows a higher set of ethical standards even if it is well beyond or above what the law requires.

b] Food industry is one of the booming market among all which can never die. While the food advertising has become a concern due to it's marketing strategies and false claims.Many major products are aimed at childrens. Large advertising campaigns have presented information to the public that has been twisted to create a false image of seemingly healthy products. Advertisers have only been concerned with sales in the past and consumer health is not a major concern for them, other than as a marketing campaign slogan. Today's light many companies are advertising their junk food. To my personal opinion I believe every company has a right to advertise their product whether it is junk or healthy because afterall it is a product and a company has to do a business. when we find that today still tobaco, cigaretts and alchohol being very harmful to health is availble in market then why not junk food? but all they need to do is not to indulge in false campaigns and claims to capture public's eye. I think that is very immoral. If any company is found in engaging in false campaigns then that company's activity needs to be restricted

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