For this paper I will be discussing Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) using Anglo-American and Primark case studies as examples. First, I will discuss what is meant by ethical business behavior. Second, I will discuss how Anglo-American and Primark apply ethics into their business practices. Third, I will discuss what the costs and benefits are to an organization when they behave ethically. Finally, I will choose one component from Svennson & Woods’ model from “A Model of Business Ethics”, and discuss how it is relevant for Anglo-American. Ethical Business Behavior
Ethical business behavior refers to an organizations actions and policies that are synergetic with "doing the right thing" (Sethi, 2003). Similar to the inherent laws of society that man has established that promote specific behaviors and actions that are deemed appropriate to build trust and relationships that last, it is similar in corporations. In order to operate ethically, organizations must also establish a clearly defined set of principles and a culture of ethical compliance that builds trust and confidence with their employees and their customers (Paine, 1994). Ethical business behavior is a combination of values and normative ethics, which drive an organization. Additionally, ethical business behavior is expected by society as a whole. Svennson & Woods write, “Society does have expectations of business and of its business leaders” (Svennson & Woods, 2008).
Anglo-American and Primark are two companies that provide great strategies for practicing strong ethical business behaviors. Although both companies are in different industries, the fundamentals of their message of ethical compliance are similar in nature.
Anglo American
Anglo American, an international mining company operates throughout the world. According to the company, “It has extensive operations in Africa, where 76% of its employees live. It is also a major employer in Europe
References: Anglo American. (2008). Business ethics and corporate social responsibility. Retrieved from http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/new-downloads-pop.php?getFile=cHJpbWFyay9wcmltYXJrXzE1X2Z1bGwucGRm Friedman, M. (1962). Capitalism and freedom. (p. 133). Chicago, Il: University of Chicago Press. Retrieved November 30, 2011 from http://www.hh.se/download/18.70cf2e49129168da0158000103376/2007+Model-of-Business-Ethics.pdf McNamara, C. (n.d.). Complete guide to ethics management: An ethics toolkit for managers. Retrieved from http://managementhelp.org/businessethics/ethics-guide.htm Primark. (2011). Providing consumers with ethically sourced garments. Retrieved from http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/new-downloads-pop.php?getFile=YW5nbG9fYW1lcmljYW4vYW5nbG9fYW1lcmljYW5fMTNfZnVsbC5wZGY Svensson, S., & Woof, S. (2008). A model of business ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, (77), 303-322: DOI 10.1007/s10551-007-9351-2. Retrieved November 30, 2011 from http://www.hh.se/download/18.70cf2e49129168da0158000103376/2007%2BModel-of-Business-Ethics.pdf Sethi, S. P.: 2003, _Globalization and the Good Corporation: A Need for Proactive Co-existence_, Journal of Business Ethics 43, 21-31. Paine, L. S.: 1994, 'Managing for Organizational Integrity_, Harvard Business Review March/April, 106-117. Murray, K. B., & Vogel, C. M. (1997). Using a hierarchy of effects approach to gauge the effectiveness of CSR to generate goodwill towards the firm: Financial versus non-financial impacts. Journal of Business Research, 38(2), 141–160. Mohr, L. A., & Webb, D. J. (2005). The effects of corporate social responsibility and price on consumer responses. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 39(1), 121–147.