FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

BUSINESS ETHICS 621

Name & Surname: Hope Mohammed ICAS No: 402306339

Qualification: Bachelor of Business Administration Year: 2024
Module Name: Business Ethics 621 Specialization: Supply Chain Management
Assignment Due Date: 30 April 2024 ID Number: 83052908117086
Date submitted: 1 April 2024 Semester: 1

MARK EXAMINER’S MODERATOR’S

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA REMARKS
ALLOCATION MARK MARKS
MARKS FOR CONTENT
QUESTION ONE 25
QUESTION TWO 25
QUESTION THREE 25
QUESTION FOUR 15

TOTAL 90
MARKS FOR TECHNICAL ASPECTS
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Accurate numbering according to
the numbering in text and page
numbers
2. LAYOUT AND SPELLING 3
Font – Calibri 11
Line Spacing -1.5
Margin should be Justified
3. REFERENCE 5
According to the Harvard Method
TOTAL MARKS 10
TOTAL MARKS FOR ASSIGNMENT 100
EXAMINER’S COMMENTS

MODERATOR’S COMMENTS

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Name of the Examiner : __________________ Name of the Moderator: __________________
Signature of Examiner: __________________ Signature of Moderator: __________________
Date : ___________________ Date: ____________________

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 Table of Contents
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….5

- Overview of Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics in Business…………………………………………….5

2. Challenges of Being a Socially Responsible Business………………………………………………………………….5

- Introduction to CSR and its Importance……………………………………………………………………………………….5

- Detailed Challenges…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....5

- Financial Implications……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….5

- Complex Stakeholder Dynamics…………………………………………………………………………………………………5

- Measuring and Reporting Impact………………………………………………………………………………………………5

- Sustaining Long-term Commitment……………………………………………………………………………………………5

- Strategies to Overcome Challenges……………………………………………………………………………………………..6

- Strategic Integration of CSR……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

- Engaging Stakeholders……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

- Innovative Measurement and Reporting……………………………………………………………………………………6

- Cultivating a CSR Culture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

3. Role of Ethics in Technology Use by Modern Businesses…………………………………………………………….7

- Introduction to Ethical Considerations in Technology…………………………………………………………………..7

- Ethical Challenges in Technology…………………………………………………………………………………………………7

- Data Privacy and Security…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

- AI and Automation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

- Digital Divide…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………7

- Environmental Sustainability……………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

- Strategies for Ethical Technology Use…………………………………………………………………………………………..7

- Developing Ethical Guidelines……………………………………………………………………………………………………7

- Responsible Sourcing and Disposal…………………………………………………………………………………………….7

- Investing in Inclusive Technologies…………………………………………………………………………………………….7

- Conducting Ethical Audits………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

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4. Driving Forces for Ethical Behavior in the Modern Business Landscape…………………………………….9

- Introduction to Ethical Behavior in Business………………………………………………………………………………..9

- Driving Forces……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

- Globalization……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

- Stakeholder Expectations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

- Regulatory Pressure…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

- Technological Advancements…………………………………………………………………………………………………….9

- Fostering Ethical Behavior……………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

- Establishing a Clear Ethical Code of Conduct……………………………………………………………………………9

- Implementing Comprehensive Training Programs………………………………………………………………………9

- Engaging in Open Dialogue with Stakeholders……………………………………………………………………………9

- Regularly Reviewing and Updating Policies………………………………………………………………………………..9

5. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

- Summary and Reflection on the Importance of CSR and Ethical Practices in Business……………….10

6. Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

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Question 1

Challenges of Being a Socially Responsible Business

Introduction to CSR and its Importance:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a mere buzzword to a fundamental business
practice. It reflects a company's commitment to conduct its operations in an ethical and sustainable
manner, considering its impact on environmental and social well-being. The integration of CSR into
business strategies not only benefits the society and the environment but also enhances the company's
brand image and stakeholder trust. However, the path to becoming a socially responsible business is
fraught with challenges.

Detailed Challenges:

1. Financial Implications: Implementing CSR initiatives often requires a substantial financial outlay. For
instance, switching to sustainable raw materials can increase production costs, while investing in
community projects may not yield immediate financial returns. The challenge for businesses, especially
SMEs, is to justify these costs in the face of tight budgets and financial scrutiny.

2. Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: A socially responsible business must navigate a complex web of
stakeholder expectations. These stakeholders range from investors seeking returns, customers
demanding ethical products, employees expecting fair treatment, to communities requiring support.
Balancing these diverse and sometimes conflicting expectations can be a significant challenge.

3. Measuring and Reporting Impact: Another challenge is the difficulty in measuring the impact of CSR
initiatives. Unlike financial results, the benefits of CSR activities, such as improved community health
or reduced environmental degradation, are harder to quantify and report. This measurement challenge
complicates the demonstration of CSR's value to skeptical stakeholders.

4. Sustaining Long-term Commitment: CSR is not a one-off project but requires ongoing commitment.
Maintaining this commitment in the face of changing market conditions, leadership, or business
priorities can be challenging. Companies must embed CSR into their corporate culture to ensure it
withstands these changes.

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Strategies to Overcome Challenges:

1. Strategic Integration of CSR: Businesses can overcome financial challenges by integrating CSR into
their core business strategy, making it an intrinsic part of their value proposition rather than an added
cost.

2. Engaging Stakeholders: Effective stakeholder engagement can help in balancing their diverse
interests. Regular communication and involvement in CSR initiatives can align stakeholder expectations
with the company's CSR objectives.

3. Innovative Measurement and Reporting: Adopting innovative tools and methodologies for
measuring CSR impact, such as social return on investment (SROI) or environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) metrics, can improve the transparency and credibility of CSR reporting.

4. Cultivating a CSR Culture: Building a culture that values CSR from the top down ensures long-term
commitment. Leadership endorsement, employee involvement, and embedding CSR values into
corporate policies and practices can sustain CSR efforts over time.

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Question 2

Role of Ethics in Technology Use by Modern Businesses

Introduction to Ethical Considerations in Technology:

The rapid advancement of technology presents modern businesses with unprecedented opportunities
for growth, efficiency, and innovation. However, it also raises significant ethical considerations. Ethical
technology use ensures that businesses not only comply with legal standards but also operate in a
manner that is morally responsible and beneficial to society.

Ethical Challenges in Technology:

1. Data Privacy and Security: In an era where data is a critical asset, businesses face the ethical
challenge of protecting personal information from breaches and misuse. Ethical considerations dictate
that companies must go beyond legal compliance to ensure data privacy and security.

2. AI and Automation: The deployment of AI and automation technologies raises ethical issues related
to job displacement, transparency, and bias. Businesses must consider the broader societal
implications, ensuring these technologies are used in a way that benefits society while minimizing
harm.

3. Digital Divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital
technologies and those who do not. Businesses have an ethical responsibility to ensure their
technological advancements do not exacerbate social inequalities.

4. Environmental Sustainability: The environmental impact of producing and disposing of

technological devices is a growing concern. Ethical businesses consider the full lifecycle of their
technologies, striving to minimize their environmental footprint.

Strategies for Ethical Technology Use:

1. Developing Ethical Guidelines: Establishing clear ethical guidelines for technology use helps ensure
that business practices align with moral values.

2. Responsible Sourcing and Disposal: Engaging in responsible sourcing and disposal practices
demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices.

3. Investing in Inclusive Technologies: By investing in technologies that promote inclusivity and

accessibility, businesses can help bridge the digital divide and ensure the benefits of technology are
shared widely.

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4. Conducting Ethical Audits: Regular ethical audits of technology practices can help identify potential
issues and ensure ongoing compliance with ethical standards.

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Question 3

Driving Forces for Ethical Behavior in the Modern Business Landscape

Introduction to Ethical Behavior in Business:

Ethical behavior in business is not just about compliance with laws and regulations; it's about
conducting business in a way that is right, just, and fair. The modern business landscape is increasingly
demanding ethical behavior, driven by several key factors.

Driving Forces:

1. Globalization: Globalization has expanded the marketplace beyond local and national boundaries,
exposing businesses to diverse cultures, legal systems, and ethical norms. This exposure necessitates
a nuanced approach to ethical behavior that respects global diversity.

2. Stakeholder Expectations: Today's stakeholders, including customers, employees, and communities,

expect businesses to operate ethically. Social media and digital platforms have amplified stakeholders'
voices, making businesses more accountable for their actions.

3. Regulatory Pressure: Governments and international bodies are imposing stricter regulations on
corporate governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility. These regulations drive
businesses to adopt ethical practices to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

4. Technological Advancements: The digital age has increased transparency, making businesses more
visible and their actions more scrutinizable. Ethical lapses can quickly damage a company's reputation,
emphasizing the need for ethical behavior.

Fostering Ethical Behavior:

1. Establishing a Clear Ethical Code of Conduct: A clear code of conduct serves as a guideline for ethical
behavior, providing a framework for decision-making.

2. Implementing Comprehensive Training Programs: Training programs educate employees about

ethical standards and expectations, empowering them to act ethically in their roles.

3. Engaging in Open Dialogue with Stakeholders: Open dialogue with stakeholders about ethical
practices builds trust and ensures that business operations align with societal values.

4. Regularly Reviewing and Updating Policies: Ethical standards evolve, and businesses must regularly
review and update their policies to reflect current ethical considerations and challenges.

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By addressing these expanded insights for each question, you can develop comprehensive answers
that explore the complexities of CSR, ethical technology use, and the driving forces behind ethical
behavior in the modern business landscape.

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Bibliography

1. Crane, A. & Matten, D., 2016. Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and
Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2. Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J. & Ferrell, L., 2019. Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases.
12th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
3. Carroll, A.B. & Buchholtz, A.K., 2014. Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and
Stakeholder Management. 9th ed. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
4. Kaptein, M. & Wempe, J., 2002. The Balanced Company: A Theory of Corporate Integrity.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
5. Werhane, P.H. & Freeman, R.E., eds., 1999. Business Ethics: The State of the Art. New York, NY:
Oxford University Press.
6. Donaldson, T. & Dunfee, T.W., 1999. Ties That Bind: A Social Contracts Approach to Business
Ethics. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
7. Bowie, N.E., 1999. Business Ethics: A Kantian Perspective. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers.
8. Jennings, M.M., 2018. Business Ethics: Case Studies and Selected Readings. 9th ed. Boston,
MA: South-Western Cengage Learning.
9. Solomon, R.C., 1993. Ethics and Excellence: Cooperation and Integrity in Business. New York,
NY: Oxford University Press.
10. Vogel, D., 2005. The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social
Responsibility. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press.

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