Taking Action Ethically

Chapter 10.3

Taking Action Ethically

Taking Action Ethically - Consumer Activism

• Consumer groups actively discourage the use of products produced under poor conditions

Examples:• Students against

sweatshops (U of T)• PETA – People for the

Ethical Treatment of Animals

Taking Action Ethically - Consumer Activism

• Companies are beginning to respond to issues

Examples:• Nike - looking at

alternatives to sweatshops

• Wal-Mart / The Gap - pledged to ban use of child labour

• Home Depot - stopped buying old growth wood

Future Directions for Multi-National Corporations

Contributions of NGOs/ NPOs• NGO: Non-Governmental Organization

• NPO: Not-For-Profit Organization

• Work to bring positive and necessary change by lobbying (meet and discussion)

• Financed by members of the public or from corporations (corporate philanthropy)

Future Directions for Multi-National Corporations

Examples of NGOs:• World Business Council for

Sustainable Development - 160 companies from 30 countries and 20 industries trying to promote sustainable growth

• Ethicscentre.ca - Current issues in business ethics

• TakingitGlobal (TIG) -190 countries, 1000s of members, ‘create a world that inspires young people to make a lasting positive change’

Class Work

1. What are some of the challenges of MNC trying to be ethical?

2. Describe three ethical concerns about Multinational products that have been expressed by consumers.

3. How have three NGO’s helped improve conditions in developed countries?

1. Cultural jamming: “hijacking” a brand’s name, images, logos, etc. to create awareness for a cause or issue.

2. Iman’s image was replaced by a bushman and “A diamond is forever” replaced by “The bushmen aren’t forever”.

3. Some issues are very low profile with little or no media attention. A cause will often link itself to a corporation to create awareness through negative publicity for the corporation.

1. Examples: – Joe Camel spoofed to Joe Chemo to create

awareness for smoking & cancer– Supersize Me and McDonald’s

Positive examples:– Ben & Jerry’s and rainforests– Bill Gates (Microsoft) & his foundation– Avon & breast cancer awareness