Business ethics

Structure Introduction Business ethics and globalisation (Kevin) Business ethics and relationships with employees as stakeholders (Lisa) Business ethics and relationships with consumers as stakeholders (Steve) Role play (Fabian, Matti, Simon)

Ethical issue Does Mc Donald‘s have a global responsibility to take care about the health of the consumers?

McEthics in Europe and Asia Criticisms in Europe: unhealthiness  risk of customers’ health advertising exploits children lack of nutrition information paying low wages In Asia: less criticism

Reactions: nutrition labeling healthy options/ balanced menu promote balanced lifestyle “diet and exercise” sustainably grown coffee and biodiesel in Asia/other countries: same strategy  good marketing strategy, bigger choice of (healthier) products

Ethical issue Do corporations have a responsibility to respect international children‘s rights even if the national law does not exist?

Uzbek cotton: a new spin on child labour in the clothing industry

The case Oppressive regime  controls cotton production Children are forced to work under bad conditions Western companies succeeded in boycotting the Uzbek cotton In 2008 the Uzbek government banned children under 16 from work

Ethical issue Are microcredit lenders justified in charging poor borrowers high interest rates?

Targeting the poor with microfinance Consumer ethics Consumers as stakeholders Microfinance = small-scale financial service Directly targets poor people, who are excluded from mainstream banking sector

Microcredits positive negative risk on high interest rates support small-business sector improve household budget provide greater opportunity for education

Role play

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