5 Ethical Solutions (M1)

Ethical solutions. 

In my last Blog I talked about Philip Morris and their unethical behaviour. I described how their mistakes impacted the business and its stakeholders. Large companies like Philip Morris need to deal with many people and stakeholders daily. It is difficult to ensure 100% transparency throughout the large operation, however Philip Morris did not handle it well. 

In this Blog I will give suggestions for how the business can improve their ethics within their operations. Often small and simple changes can start up a businesses morals and improve communications throughout. 

Suggestion 1 : 

Philip Morris's first issue was the fact that the production of the Tobacco was done by child labour and in horrid conditions. This also went for legal workers that were working in dangerous working environments and not getting paid the minimum wages.  Setting up a labour party/union in the counties where this production is done is the 1st change that the business should introduce. This allows for the legal workers to form a bond and propose to the company what things need to change in order for a fair and safe working environment. The main bosses of the company will have never been at these factory sites which means they have no idea how things are actually run. I think it is a very good idea to get these men and woman down to the heart and grind of the company to see for them selves that things need to change. The main priority will be to eliminate all child labour, simply because it is illegal. The second priority will be to set up the labour party which means their rights are fair and considered by the company. this includes paying every worker a fair wage. This will make them happier and so have a respect for the business. This can positively impact the business ethics and their production because workers will work hard for their fair money their being paid. On the other hand, external stakeholders such as the retailers and customers will know that the cigarettes were produced in a safe and fair environment. Here for they will be happy to represent the brand of Philip Morris. If the product is made with care and transparency the people working for the business will not have to worry about any false accusations. They can work comfortably and have a good view and respect for the business. 

Suggestion 2 :

In order for Philip Morris to be transparent and fair, the business needs to ensure their communications with both internal and external stakeholders is perfect. Making sure information is passed on to every line in the production chain is vital for the companies success. If everyone is on the same page mistakes are less likely to be made. miss communication can always happen but this is only if people within the chain are holding things back from others. This can not be done. If 1 person passes on the correct information but the 2nd person only passes 3/4 of it though then you have created problems and distrust. To ensure this does not happen I believe the company should always have follow ups from meetings and special announcements. These is simply done by adding people into emails and making calls to discuss if the information being shared has reached and is understood by the stakeholder. Whether their internal or external. If suppliers know exactly when and where the product needs to be then they can time and contact this with the retailers to ensure the product is delivered on time and with care. 

Suggestion 3 : 

The final suggestion I want to propose is for Philip Morris to have honesty towards the public, government and the media. Once again I believe transparency is something that allows people to see the truth and not have to guess whats wrong or right. If the business is truthful about the production of their product people will know exactly where it is coming from and how it is made. This gives security and will have people trust that the product their buying will always be of good quality. This also goes for the honesty about the treatment of workers, the government will not have to find out if theirs any illegal practises going on. This will give the business less problems and bad publicity. The media has a big impact in the businesses reputation. They can exploit any non ethical operation and show them to the public and government. If the business ensures they have no non ethical issues then this wont be a threat to Philip Morris the company. Stakeholders can respect a business for its legal and ethical operations and often this will also positively impact a business sales and marketing. 

please be sure to check out the rest of my blog and don't be afraid to send me a message. Im more than happy to answer any of your questions :)

Signing off

Sjors