Utilitarianism and Ethics of Care - Essay Example

Name: Subject & Code: Instructor: Date: Business Ethics 1- What makes the following two ethics theories so attractive? utilitarianism and ethics of care 

 Utilitarianism theory proposes the forms of action in certain circumstances intended to bring about the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people. The theory hypothesizes that it is only pain and pleasure, which motivates human beings, and that each individual seeks to attain some form of personal pleasure while striving to evade pain. Wolf (1-2) defines such a perspective as a “hedonistic” view. The advocates of this ethical theory believe that nature assigned humans the role of governing two sovereign masters; pain and pleasure, and it is up to them to identify what they have to do and decide what they should do. At this rate, it is the quality of “wrongness” or “rightness” of their actions and decision, which is determined, based on the level of pleasure an action causes (Velasquez 1). Essentially, it is a democratic theory since the action one chooses has to ensure the “greatest pleasure or good” is for the “greatest majority.” The Utilitarian theory’s key benefit is that it suggests a morally right course of action for any particular circumstance (Mack 62). The selected course of action is selected with the greatest benefits going to the greatest majority. Indeed, this framework for decision-making can be highly beneficial, as it assists individuals to get to consider reflectively the consequence of their actions. In addition, utilitarianism is, according to Mack (62-8), democratic in nature, as it leaves room for all forms of personal autonomy during decision-making. Therefore, unlike deontological ethical theories, it is not legalistic. The consequentialist nature of the utilitarianism also enables people to apply utility in their personal situation. This is different from the deontological theories that only look ahead into the future. At this point, it is also important to consider that utilitarianism gives value to humans, as well as the other life forms. Additionally, calculating or determining the greatest happiness for the greatest majority appears to be both calculable and rational. Usually, in the business world, the practicality of the estimated value of the decisions made in view of the anticipated benefits means that the theory is rational and applies to practical business situations. It helps in making a decision during dilemma where tough choices are involved. For instance, in a practical business scenario, a manager may often encounter difficult choices. During this time, his emotions and desires are likely to affect the quality of his decisions, leading to irrational actions (Mack 64-8). However, the Utilitarian theory allows her to think rationally and to eventually make the right choice. Ethic of Care When it comes to the moral theory of ‘ethic of care,’ a prevailing conception is that one has to develop the requisite skills needed for providing care properly at all times while ensuring that the level of care needed for sustaining oneself is balanced. Hence, the theory points to the concept of “caring and being cared for” (Close 1). The theory suggests that there is moral importance in the basic elements of building relationships and depending on others. It seeks to sustain the relationships, as it contextualizes and promotes the care-givers’ well-being, as well as the care-receivers’ (Close 1). This moral theory also motivates caring for the vulnerable, as well as the dependent, as it is inspired by recollections of being cared for. Hence, it just confirms the significance of caring motivation. Indeed, it can be conceived as practice rather than a virtue or a theory since "care" ensuring that the world is well maintained and that personal needs, as well as the needs of others are met. The theory takes consideration of the fact that certain individuals or communities are relatively vulnerable and, therefore, need additional consideration depending on how the choice of a business affects them. It also emphasizes that universal truth does not exist. For this reason, it puts the contextual facts of a moral situation into consideration with the view of promoting certain needs and interests of individuals or communities that are vulnerable (Close 1). The theory further encourages interdependence among individuals. It explores how some communities and individuals are comparatively vulnerable, in addition to those that are not vulnerable hence ensuring mutual co-existence between both groups, where the less vulnerable assist the more vulnerable in return for a certain consideration. Hence, Ethic of Care does not advocate for dependency relationships. Rather, it dwells on maintenance of relationships of interdependence through mutual efforts and advantages (Close 1). An additional significant feature of the theory is that it emphasizes the significance of a lack of universal truth while simultaneously considering the contextual details. Hence, the theory would emphasize the idea that international engagement has no any specific formula, and instead considers the contextual details of every place like the traditions, culture, local customs, and economy into details (Close 1). 2- The question of individual values in business in the case “Abercrombie & Fitch: Is it Unethical to be Exclusive?” The case study shows that individual values may be constantly in conflict with the business values. Additionally, individual values may be in conflict with ethical decision-making when they vary from the organizational norms of the business. The individual values may be anchored rooted in cultural backgrounds or religious belief that promote or shun a certain concept. While the individual values may not be significant to the business, their nuances may bring general sense of dissatisfaction that may bring about unsettledness among the corporate strategy (Pitta 242-5). In the case study, the individual values prefer that A&F should offer more variety of clothing in size, as well as cater to all markets. By considering the individual values, the company would be seen to be more inclusionary, as well as accommodative of all consumers. A&F values were designed to image it as being “young, hip and spirited” company that targeted cool and good-looking people. Conversely, individual values favored a sense of inclusion. For these reasons, the company even failed to manufacture double extra-large (XXL) sizes for women, despite these sizes being available for men (Blanchard 2-4). This enraged consumers, as they viewed the company to be discriminatory. The company’s business values include appealing to a selected target market by presenting itself to be cool. For instance, at the workplace, A&F requires that employees maintain the standards of being cool as the target market would expect from them. These conflicting values led to the sacking of an employee who wore a hijab to work in 2013 (Blanchard 2-4). 3- Questions of cultural difference in business in the case “IKEA's Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labor” The case study shows that culture and the expectations in the cultures highly influence how business transactions are undertaken (Shurden and Shurden 28). It also shows that different cultures embrace different ethical codes of conduct that determine what is morally right or wrong (Pitta et al. 242). While it was vital for IKEA to understand the expectations of the cultures where it sourced for its carpets, it also has to understand the expectations of the cultures where it sold these carpets. IKEA was faced with an issue of cultural conflict, which would eventually dent its reputation. Child labor is an embedded social norm in India, while it is unethical in Europe, where IKEA originates. Barner faced a situation of ethical dilemma. She had to cut off its IKEA's key suppliers of Indian rugs that used child labors. However, she was also concerned that such a move was likely to upset the supply of Indian rugs, which could eventually lead to low sales. The problem of child labor is already deeply engraved in the cultures of India, where it was no longer viewed unethical (Bartlett et al. 1-5). Unlike in German, where IKEA had its largest market, the carpet industry in German prevalently used child labor. In fact, the use of child labor was legal within the cottage industry. Still, the use of child labor is consistent with the cost cutting strategies. As showed in the case study, IKEA valued cost-effective production strategies. Indeed, since most of its suppliers were found in India and Pakistan, IKEA's faced intense global sourcing challenge caused by cultural differences. This is since the problem of child labor is already deeply engraved in the cultures of India, where it was no longer viewed unethical. In India, about 60 million children aged five years and below worked as child laborers in sectors, such as manufacturing, quarrying, mining, and beggars. Nearly 200,000 of the amount worked in the carpet sector. Most of them worked to pay off debts that their parents accumulated (Bartlett et al. 7). 4- General problems concerning business ethics in the case “BP and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill“ The major ethical issues in the case study revolve around working conditions and safety regulations. As indicated, there were some ethical issues, which BP had to consider regarding employee working conditions. The company also failed to comply with the safety regulations. It is important to consider that these regulations and conditions were designed for the benefit of the employees. On the contrary, the company concentrated on maximizing its profits at the expense of the employee’s values. For instance, the 2009 Annual Report indicated that Hayward had reported a total shareholder return of 27.6% and profit of $16 billion. Despite the staggering billions, Hayward was criticized for the poor safety record in the company. In the same year, OSHA recommended that BP be fined for failure to correct the problems at its Texas City refinery for poor safety record (Roberto 6-8). 5- Why business ethics appeals to business students As Rollert (1) argues, many business students tend to be interested in the ethical issues and are interested in hearing them taught. However, there are those who view ethics to be a waste of time. Still, students are motivated to study ethics for several reasons. According to Freeman (1), students are motivated to study ethics, as they are interested in helping others without upsetting their senses of dignity. In their view, students look forward to having an ethical workplace where as employees, they would like to help each other while expecting help in return based on the moral theory of ‘ethics of care.’ One reasonable explanation for this is highlighted by the fact students perceive that a workplace should not be controlled by an overbearing and patronizing boss. In which case, the good they seek to do for others, has to remain balanced by their desire for self-respect. MacDonald (1) believes that students value a sense of independence particularly when they encounter complex moral decisions. The belief in self-control is an additional motivation factor for choosing to study ethics. According to Rollert (1), self-control is not in conflict with ambition. In fact, it is fundamental to ambition. While ambition is a driving force behind students’ ambition to get into successful business careers, there is a general consensus among students that in order to succeed, their personal ambitions must eventually be guided by self-control, as well as an eye for greater social benefit. However, achieving self-control is difficult without a consideration for ethical decision-making. Hence, students are always eager to study ethics. An additional reason is that students are convinced that ethics is an essential factor in business decision-making. Accordingly, students are interested in business ethics, as they are convinced that ethical conduct is linked to smart business. In Rollert (1) view, an individual’s gut is inherently his moral philosophy. Taking this into perspective, students believe that the most effective business principles are those that demand doing the right thing. Freeman (1) also argues that the feeling an individual gets in his gut once facing the moral dilemma precedes reasoned conclusions that could only be guided by moral ethics, such as Utilitarianism theory. Hence, students are interested in learning about how they can make ethical decisions, yet based on their gut feelings. 6- Arguments in Bauman’s book “Does Ethics Have a Chance in a World of Consumers” that offer deeper insights into the problem of business ethics and personal values? Bauman reveals the apparent personal values that emerge when an individual becomes subjected to consumerism culture that dictates to individuals that the sum of their worth is equivalent to the sum of their “pocketbooks.” (54). He further argues that ethics is at the core of human’s ability to love. His conceptions appear consistent with the moral theory of ‘ethic of care,’ as he contends that when people love their neighbors as they love themselves, their loves would be mutually reinforcing as they would respect each other’s unique qualities (35). He provides insights into the waning business ethics, where marketers become less responsible, and personal values, where individuals are adopting the consumerism culture and in turn becoming more selfish and less responsible. In his view, the leap into the consumerism culture has also meant a shift away from the concrete ethical codes encouraged by religion or tradition to the more unpredictable selfish disposition of the individual. At this level, among the major problems, as Bauman claims, is that although humans share a common fate, they do feel the obligation to assist their neighbors or believe that they are obligated to ensure that their neighbors live in dignity (63). Hence, human have lost their capacity to reflect about themselves and the larger society. 7. Dominant personal and ethical values in the Middle East in the context of business In the Middle East, religion plays a fundamental role in business ethics. The business and individual values of integrity, responsibility, caring and transparency are anchored in Islam, which have in turn caused extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy by Middle Eastern businesses. According to Hejase et al. (73-80), this is since the Islamic teachings on business ethics derived from Quran, the Sunnah or Hadith, which are records of teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Both of this emphasize the value of caring and responsibility. Indeed, the CSR concept exemplifies the virtue of “corporate responsibility and responsible business’’. Rossouw (4-10) also argues that business in the Middle East embrace the wider concept of CSR. Rossouw (4-10) made this revelation to indicate the extent to which Islam influences the businesses and individuals’ attitudes towards the ethical behavior of businesses. Hejase et al. (73-80) also add that the objectives of the Islamic system of business are essentially rooted in the notion of human well-being and the attainment of general good life. Islam emphasizes socio-economic justice, community values, in addition to the need to balance people’s spiritual and material needs. Therefore, businesses should engage in permissible (halal) or lawful businesses. In addition, all business transactions need to be conducted in a transparent ethical framework, based on written contracts as demanded for by Qur’an (Surat/Chapter Al-Baqara2:282). For these reasons, Muslim businesses in the Middle East are required to apply high ethical standards of integrity, responsibility, caring and transparency. They also ensure observance of quality standards as stipulated by the Quran teachings on weights and measures, such as Surat/Chapter Al Shua’ra’ 26:181-183, which requires that people should “Give just measure and cause no loss (to others by fraud), and weigh with scales true and upright. And withhold not things justly due to men, nor do evil in the land working mischief.” Works Cited Bartlett, Christopher, Vincent Dessain and Anders Sjoman. "IKEA's Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labour." Harvard Business School Nov 14, 2006 Bauman, Zygmunt."Does Ethics Have a Chance in a World of Consumers?" Harvard University Press: Massachusetts Blanchard, Danae. "Abercrombie & Fitch: Is It Unethical To Be Exclusive?" Richard Ivey School of Business, 2014 Close, Claudia. "Introduction to the Ethic of Care," nd. 10 Dec 2015, Freeman, Edward, Lisa Stewart, and Brian Moriarty. "Teaching Business Ethics in the Age of Madoff." Change, 2009. 11 Dec 2015, Hejase, Hussin, Bassam Hamdar, And Mohammad Raslan. "Business Ethics And Religion In The Financial Business Sector: Case Of Syria." Journal of Business & Management, vol 1 no 2, pp.72-111 MacDonald, Chris. "Three simple reasons to teach ethics in business schools: Chris MacDonald," 2014. 11 Dec 2015, Mack, Peter. "Utilitarian Ethics in Healthcare." International Journal of The Computer, the Internet and Management 12.3 (2004) pp 63-72 Pitta, Dennis, Hung-Gay Fung and Steven Isberg. "Ethical issues across cultures: managing the differing perspectives of China and the USA." Journal of Consumer Marketing, 13.3 (1999): 240-256 Roberto, Michael. "BP And The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill." Richard Ivey School of Business, 2011 Rollert, Paul. "Students Teach Business Ethics." Harvard Business Review, March 01, 2011 Rossouw, G. "Business Ethics and Corporate Governance in Africa." International Business Ethics Review vol 8 no 2, pp.1-12 Shurden, Michael and Shurden, Susan. "A Comparative Study Of Ethical Values Of Business Students: American Vs. Middle Eastern Cultures." Journal of College Teaching & Learning vol 5 no 8, pp.27-34 Velasquez, Manuel, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michale. "Calculating Consequences: The Utilitarian Approach to Ethics,” 2014, 10 Dec 2015, Wolf, Brian. "Environmental Studies and Utilitarian Ethics." Environmental Studies 34.2 (2008): 6-12 Read More