Not all companies are viewed as equal - Research Paper Example

Candy Companies, Capitalism, and Ethics Candy Companies, Capitalism, and Ethics Not all industries are equal. The concept of free trade delves into economic, ethical, and socio-political concerns that determine the operation and success of a company. It is unethical for the government to define industries in terms of products. Similarly, it is immoral to put trade restraints on companies because it limits their ability to maximize productivity. I believe that some industries are unfairly targeted.

A level playing field is essential if businesses and companies are to meet their profit-making goals. This paper gives a comprehensive argument about the candy industry in relation to capitalism and business ethics. From an economic perspective, free trade not only makes a company successful, but it also creates a competitive market that improves a country’s economy. In comparison to the candy industry, the tobacco industry is unfairly targeted. Candy has constituents such as excess sugar, which are detrimental to human health, similar to tobacco.

Candy and its associated products are a leading cause of obesity, and other undesirable lifestyle diseases like diabetes (Goddard, 2012). It is indeed discouraging that the government does not force them to put a warning after their candy advertisements. Although companies do not in any way force consumers to use their products, they have an ethical obligation to protect consumers. I support the candy industry because it is the duty of consumers to monitor their consumption and purchases. Government legislation only exists when the dangers of a product are too profound.

Capitalism plays a significant role in corporate decision-making. It is a great engine of development that natures technological advancements, promotes enterprise, and creates wealth. Even so, sometimes capitalism takes a negative turn when creation of wealth overrides moral obligations. Consumption is the solitary aim and purpose of production and this is what the candy industry targets (Quinn, Mujtaba, and Cavico, 2011). Companies go to all lengths to produce desirable and well-packaged candy products that attract children and adults alike.

In most business operations, the interests of producers override that of customers. The main aim of production is to make profits, but it should not have superiority over social prosperity or the importance of production for consumption. In the contemporary society, it is possible for a company to cater to both its interest and that of consumers conjointly. Ethical business decision-making demands poise between corporate and social responsibilities that address moral, financial, and legal concerns.

Any entrant into the market must have an ethical compass to guide their behavior (Dobrin, 2009). Some companies cater for both their interest and that of consumers conjointly. For instance, tobacco companies market their products but at the same time warn their customers of the harmful nature of the product. In a similar manner, candy industries should warn their customers of the dangers of candy products. This is especially necessary because it is among the most commercially traded products, found in virtually all stores, and even given as a form of currency change in supermarkets.

Every company desires an environment in which they can develop and make money equitably. Only people who fail to understand the meaning of capital and profit making denounce capitalism. At the same time, companies have the ethical obligation to produce products that are not harmful to consumers, and provide all information about their products. Concern for the wellbeing of others, benevolence, and justice are vital ethical considerations for any company. At a professional level, it is essential that companies exercise full disclosure concerning any harm that their products may have on consumers.

In any case, candy companies are not to blame because although they offer consumers a perceptibly unhealthy product, they give them a choice of purchase. ReferencesDobrin, A. (2009). Business Ethics the Right Way to Riches. New Dheli: Hindi Granth Karyalay. Goddard, L. (2012). Chicagos Sweet Candy History. South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing.Quinn, M., Mujtaba, B., and Cavico, F. (2011). Global Tobacco Sales Dilemmas: The Clash of Freedom and Markets with Morality and Ethics. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly2011, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 107-124.