“Walking the environmental responsibility talk” in the automobile industry:

An ethics case study of the Volkswagen environmental scandal

Volkswagen violates this by choosing their own selfish interests in the form of short-term
returns at the expense of their stakeholders’ interests while also creating more harm by
incurring reputational costs as well as the environmental damages that affect society as a
whole. This concept is enraging because it shows how one’s money, wealth, and fame are more
favored than the health and safety of a larger group of people. It is like having a “me before you”
mentality, that it is okay if you are suffering as long as I am able to enjoy all the benefits from it.
This is also rampant nowadays especially in the widely-criticized mining industry that clearly
poses harm to the environment. Some companies claim that they have safe and sustainable
practices, but, we can just assume how many of them are also not “walking the talk” and
concealing something illicit just like what Volkswagen did. Second, the Theory of Rights
emphasizes the fundamental rights of every individual that must be held in high regard in all
decisions which should not be hampered by the decision and action at hand. In this scandal, the
customers’ right to know the truth was not respected and it also affects future generations
through the long-term impact to the environment of Volkswagen vehicles’ emissions. This is
very alarming since, as customers, we build our rapport with the brands through trust and
confidence. We purchase based on how the company’s marketing techniques enticed us, that’s
why, honesty is a fundamental trait of a well-respected organization. Having this scandal where
a reputable company “lied” to everyone, makes it more important for us, customers, to assert
our right to truthful advertising as well as factual and transparent findings from the regulatory
authorities. Lastly, the Theory of Justice compels the practice of equity, fairness and impartiality.
Volkswagen has the malicious intent to alter its engine mechanisms. Even though they are
aware of their mistake, they refuse to compensate all affected parties which are mostly US
customers. This is a case of not owning up to your mistakes which is very infuriating. They
might think that they can lessen the wrongness of their doing by admitting to just a portion of the
whole conflict. This is also widespread nowadays where criticized organizations half-heartedly
do what was expected from them just to appease the authorities or the public without properly
reflecting and owning up to their mistakes.

Reference
Valentini, C., & Kruckeberg, D. (2018). “Walking the environmental responsibility talk” in the automobile
industry: An ethics case study of the Volkswagen environmental scandal. Corporate
Communications: An International Journal, 23(4), 528–543.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327512699_Walking_the_environmental_responsibil
ity_talk_in_the_automobile_industry_An_ethics_case_study_of_the_Volkswagen_environment
al_scandal