Ethical framework

The case for this study is:

In a corporate setting, a multinational company is facing scrutiny over its environmental practices, particularly regarding disposal of industrial waste. The company has historically prioritised  profit maximisation and cost-cutting measures, leading to practises that result in environmental harm and negative impacts on local communities. As public awareness and concern about environmental sustainability grow, stakeholders including investors, customers and advocacy groups, are calling for the company to adapt more responsible and sustainable business practices

The question is:

Drawing from the case presented, analyse the ethical consideration surrounding the company's envirnomental practices through the lens of value-based frameworks in ethics.

My answer is:

The case highlights serious ethical concerns about the company’s environmental practices when viewed through value-based ethical frameworks. Value-based ethics focuses on core moral values rather than just rules or profits, helping us judge whether actions are right or wrong based on their impact on people, society, and the environment.

From a human rights perspective, the company’s actions raise ethical issues because environmental harm directly affects the basic rights of local communities. Pollution from improper waste disposal can threaten people’s right to health, clean water, and a safe living environment. By prioritising profit over environmental protection, the company fails to respect these fundamental human rights, making its practices ethically unacceptable under this framework.

Using the utility (utilitarian) framework, ethical decisions should aim to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While the company’s cost-cutting measures may increase short-term profits, they cause long-term harm to communities, ecosystems, and public health. The overall suffering caused outweighs the benefits gained by the company, meaning its actions do not maximise overall well-being. Therefore, from a utility perspective, the company’s practices are unethical.

From the lens of virtue ethics, the focus is on the moral character of the organisation. A virtuous company should demonstrate responsibility, care, and respect for the environment and society. The company’s disregard for environmental damage reflects a lack of virtues such as responsibility and integrity. Adopting sustainable practices would better reflect ethical character and social responsibility.

In conclusion, when analysed through value-based ethical frameworks, the company’s environmental practices are ethically flawed. Human rights are compromised, overall social well-being is reduced, and virtuous conduct is absent. This explains why stakeholders are demanding more responsible and sustainable business practices