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 What are some of the challenges of MNC trying to be ethical? Describe three ethical concerns about Multinational products that have been expressed by consumers. How have three NGO’s helped improve conditions in developed countries?
Cultural jamming: “hijacking” a brand’s name, images, logos, etc Cultural jamming: “hijacking” a brand’s name, images, logos, etc. to create awareness for a cause or issue. Iman’s image was replaced by a bushman and “A diamond is forever” replaced by “The bushmen aren’t forever”. 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.
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