Question 1
Utilitarian theory provides that an activity should be designed in a way that seeks to provide the greatest happiness to the largest number of people. The theory as advocated for by Bentham is an ideal philosophy for business persons. In a business enterprise, an entrepreneur seeks to satisfy their customers. Therefore, entrepreneurs should always make their decisions with regard to utilitarian theory. By subscribing to this philosophy, a business person will provide satisfaction to the greatness number of its clients. If the majority of the customers are happy, the business will grow as the majority of them will come back and the reputation of the enterprise will also be enhance and spread to more people. In a business, the principle objective is getting a profit. This can only be achieved if there are more sales of the products or the services rendered by the company while causing the least harm to the environment and society. In order to sell more, an entrepreneur must ensure that his customers are happy. It is extremely impossible to make everyone happy; therefore, utilitarian theory is instrumental in ensuring that despite a few challenges, one is able to make profits while still making ethical decisions. However, it is advisable that an entrepreneur should also factor in the demerits of the theory and design measures to address them.
Question 2
Apple incorporation has been one of the most successful companies not only in U.S.A, but also worldwide. Despite its success, the company has also received its fair share of criticism. The company has been accused of causing environmental destruction. There have also been allegations that it has consistently engaged in business transactions that are unethical. Moreover, its decisions to seek legal actions against other companies for intellectual property infringement has also been sharply criticized as based on illegitimate causes of action. While making these decisions, Apple’s management definitely faced a conundrum. While most their clients supported them as they buy Apple products because of their distinct nature, some thought it was being mean with its technology. In order to address these challenges effectively, Apple would have employed the use of utilitarian theory. A simple research carried out among its customers would reveal how its customers feel about a particular decision. It would be in the interest of the company to pursue objectives that are in line with the interests of its clients.
Question 3
Apple faces numerous ethical challenges during its operations. Workers in its affiliated companies, for example, Foxconn keep on complaining about the poor working conditions that they are subjected to. On the other hand, Apple new CEO takes home millions of dollars in a year. Moreover, Apple products cause a lot of emissions that pollute and degrade the environment. The company has been reluctant to contribute towards the reclamation of the environment. Millions of metric tons of toxic gases are released into the stratosphere by Apple electronic products. In 2009 alone, it was reported that about 9.6 million of these gases were released. Since then the company has not only increased the number of brands, but also increased production. Nevertheless, the company can easily redeem its reputation and also help ameliorate the lives of people in the society. This can be done by providing money that will be channeled towards projects designed to preserve the environment. This is a crucial corporate responsibility and a moral obligation of the company. For example, the company can allocate 10% of its net profit to the Federal Environmental Management Authority to facilitate them preserve the stratosphere.
References
Cross, F. B. (2007). West's Legal Environment of Business: Text and Cases: Ethical, Regulatory, International, and E-commerce Issues. New York: Cengage Learning.
Rendtorff, J. D. (2009). Responsibility, Ethics, and Legitimacy of Corporations. Copenhagen: Copenhagen Business School Press DK.
Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2010). Managing Business Ethics. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
