BUSI 620
References
Friedman, L. C. (2009). Tobacco Industry Use of Corporate Social Responsibility Tactics as a
Sword and a Shield on Secondhand Smoke Issues. Journal of Law Medicine & Ethics,
37(4), 819–827. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-720x.2009.00453.x
In our discussion this week we are discussing the statement, “A company should produce
and sell any product as long as there is a market for it." I have mixed feelings about this. While I
do not agree with this statement, I do not consider myself to be a judge of other businesses' moral
decisions when it comes to producing and selling goods and services. For me, it is unethical to
employ or work for a company that I consider socially irresponsible and would that goes against
my morals and beliefs. I think there are many different kinds of irresponsible businesses out
there. For example, cigarette corporations are thought to act in a socially irresponsible manner.
Likewise, businesses that have a history of defrauding clients are regarded as being socially
irresponsible as well. One might think they can work for an organization and change.
I feel that working for companies that are known for their harmful activities would mean
that I would have to compromise my morals for money or career advancement. Companies that
are known for mistreating the environment or producing destructive goods are companies that I
choose to not support. However, for those that work in these types of organizations, I can
understand how people can justify working for these companies because they feel that they can
help make the changes that are needed to change the organization. A common cause of conflict
among employees of companies that produce tobacco products is the lack of morale. According
to an article by Friedman in 2009, many people in the tobacco sector have a common issue with
their work environment. Corporate social responsibilities can help improve how these
organizations are perceived by the public. Unfortunately, the tobacco industry still has a very
challenging issue to solve despite the numerous initiatives it has made to increase its social
responsibilities. For instance, the company's deadly goods cannot be defeated by sponsoring
futile campaigns to discourage young people from smoking.
BUSI 620
The student must also reply to one classmate’s thread and the reply must be at least 150 words.
