Business Ethics
tH.B. Fuller is an organization founded in 1887, which has then grown into a global manufacturer of different products that include adhesives, chemicals, and sealants amongst others in more than 40 countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. On the basis of the profits obtained from different regions, H.B Fuller has its strongholds in Latin America. Nonetheless, one of the products that attract high sales is the glue that is majorly sold in Central America. However, the increased sales in glue have brought about serious concerns particularly in regard to impact the chemicals have on the children (Velasquez, 2011). Many children, especially in Honduras and Guatemala have experienced the adverse effect of the chemicals used in manufacturing the adhesive products.
The people/the organizations and their interests
H.B. Fuller is an organization with an aim of increasing its sales. Between 1994 and 1995 the sales of the firm increased from $1.097 billion to $1.243 billion. In addition, H.B. Fuller experienced an increase in profits between the two years from $354 million in 1994 to $392 million in 1992 (Velasquez, 2011). In this respect, the organization’s aim was to make greater sales and profitability. On the other hand, the other stakeholders that included the community experienced the adverse effects of the chemicals used by the firm in manufacturing adhesives. Whereas the community expected to have better jobs and good life courtesy of the firm, the community ended up suffering especially in respect to their children who sniffed the chemicals hence ending up with irreparable nerve damages.
The dilemma
The dilemma is this scenario is that whereas the organization is struggling to increase its sales and profitability, the manufactured products are destroying the lives of the community. It was right for the organization to manufacture more products in order to experience an increase in sales and profitability (Velasquez, 2011). However, it is inappropriate for the products to be destructive to the community.
The options and their consequences
Other than the option of sitting back and watch, other options would be to engage in community awareness in teaching them the adverse effects of sniffing the chemicals. In addition, as a CEO, I would identify reasons leading to the sniffing of the chemical. Identification of the reason can assist in coming up with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that would benefit the children (Velasquez, 2011). For instance, if it is idleness that makes the children end up sniffing the chemical then the organization may be engaged in CSR such as enhancing games and other activities that keep them busy.
The decision
As a CEO, I would recommend for different CSR programs, which will keep the children busy besides assisting them in nurturing their talents (Velasquez, 2011). As a result, the children will not find free time to sniff the harmful chemicals from adhesives.
Rationale for the decision
The rational for the decision is that the activities will keep the children busy. In addition, the activities will assist in identifying and nurturing the children talents. Moreover, my decision has been influenced by different stakeholders that include the firm, the children, the community. Therefore, there is a need for a decision that cares for all the stakeholders is reached, hence the CSR activities.
Ethical decision measures
Ethically, engaging in CSR is a beneficial activity both to the organization and the community. Whereas the children will be able to identify and nurture their talents for the purposes of making them busy, the organization will be able to portray a positive image to the community despite the poor image that has been created.
Reference
Velasquez, M. (2011). Business ethics: Concepts and cases. Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education.
