Posted: December 1st, 2015

Is this an ethical issue? In your answer explain why with reference to which stakeholders are affected and how, and with brief reference to up to three ethical theories/moral philosophers.

Scenario A
A leading successful electronic company has been accused of unsustainable working practices. Their carbon footprint is high due to high energy costs and wastage, both due to their own business practices and also due to how their products are marketed, used and disposed of by their customers.

Question 1. Is this an ethical issue? In your answer explain why with reference to which stakeholders are affected and how, and with brief reference to up to three ethical theories/moral philosophers. (35%)

Question 2. How can this issue be addressed at:
a) The individual level e.g. assuming you are a senior manager at this firm (15%)
b) The organisational level (i.e. by the company) (20%)
c) Sector level (i.e. electronic industry) (10%)
d) Institutional level (this includes national and global governmental and non-governmental institutions) (15%)
Consider what could be done to address this issue at each of these levels. Where do you think the most effective changes can occur? Give real life examples where you can to illustrate your points.