Define the notion of “privacy” as it relates to the employer-employee relationship. Using examples, identify the ethical issues that may arise in the electronic monitoring of employee activities. What strategies might a manager employ to ensure that they do not violate their employees’ negative right to privacy?

QUESTION

Part B: The essay questions will be focused on the lecture material delivered from Week 6 onward, and students are required to answer TWO (2) or THREE (3) questions from at least FOUR (4) alternatives, worth 10 marks each. EACH essay has a 1000 word limit (MAXIMUM).

Those questions will be similar to the one below:

Define the notions of “functional” and “dysfunctional” discrimination as they apply the workplace context. Using the four theories covered in the unit, describe the differences between the two types of discrimination. What strategies could managers adopt to minimize instances of dysfunctional discrimination in the workplace.

Define the notion of “privacy” as it relates to the employer-employee relationship. Using examples, identify the ethical issues that may arise in the electronic monitoring of employee activities. What strategies might a manager employ to ensure that they do not violate their employees’ negative right to privacy?

Define notion of “whistle-blowing” as it applies to the organisational context. Using an example, demonstrate how the Kew Garden’s principle would define whistle-blowing as a right. Using an example, demonstrate how the Kew Garden’s principle would define whistle-blowing as an obligation.

Identify and define the notion of a “Conflict of Interest”. Using examples to illustrate your answer, describe how the six specific conflicts of interest can manifest in the organisational context. What strategies can a manager implement to avoid having conflicts of interest?

Define Friedman’s and Freeman’s perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Using examples to illustrate your answer, describe how the Moral Minimum perspective assists an organization to achieve sustainability and accountability in their operations.

ANSWER

Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility and Achieving Sustainability and Accountability

Introduction

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a crucial concept in today’s business landscape, as organizations are increasingly expected to consider their impact on society and the environment. This essay aims to define and compare the perspectives of Milton Friedman and Edward Freeman on CSR. Furthermore, it will explore how the Moral Minimum perspective can assist organizations in achieving sustainability and accountability in their operations. By understanding these concepts and their practical implications, managers can effectively navigate the complex ethical landscape of contemporary business.

Defining Friedman’s and Freeman’s Perspectives on CSR

Milton Friedman, an influential economist, advocated for the view that the primary responsibility of a corporation is to maximize profits within the boundaries of the law. According to Friedman, businesses should focus solely on generating financial returns for shareholders and not engage in activities that deviate from this core objective. From his perspective, any actions beyond profit maximization can be seen as an unnecessary diversion of resources and an infringement upon the economic freedom of shareholders.

In contrast, Edward Freeman’s stakeholder theory asserts that organizations have a broader responsibility to consider the interests of multiple stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community at large (The Stakeholder Theory of the Corporation: Concepts, Evidence, and Implications on JSTOR, n.d.). Freeman argues that businesses should not solely prioritize the financial gains of shareholders but should also actively seek to create value for all stakeholders. According to this perspective, businesses have a moral obligation to balance the interests of stakeholders and contribute positively to society.

The Role of Moral Minimum in Achieving Sustainability and Accountability

The Moral Minimum perspective serves as a framework that guides organizations in their pursuit of sustainability and accountability. It emphasizes that organizations should fulfill the minimum ethical standards required by society, beyond what is mandated by laws and regulations (Paine, 2014). By adhering to the Moral Minimum, organizations can build trust, maintain their social license to operate, and ultimately contribute to long-term sustainable development.

To achieve sustainability and accountability, organizations can adopt practices aligned with the Moral Minimum perspective. For instance, ethical sourcing and responsible supply chain management can ensure that products are not associated with human rights abuses, environmental degradation, or unfair labor practices. By promoting transparency, organizations can enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and hold them accountable for their actions.

Examples of Moral Minimum in Action

Consider Company X, a global manufacturing corporation. Company X decides to implement environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and minimizing waste generation, beyond what is legally required. By investing in renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable production methods, Company X aligns with the Moral Minimum perspective. This not only mitigates the negative environmental impact but also positions the company as an industry leader in sustainable practices, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.

In another example, Company Y, a retail organization, recognizes its responsibility to its employees. It goes beyond minimum wage requirements and provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, flexible work arrangements, and employee development programs. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional growth, Company Y demonstrates its commitment to the Moral Minimum (Joyce et al., 2010). This fosters a positive work culture, boosts employee morale and productivity, and reduces turnover rates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, perspectives on CSR can significantly impact an organization’s approach to sustainability and accountability. While Milton Friedman emphasizes profit maximization as the core responsibility, Edward Freeman’s stakeholder theory highlights the importance of considering the interests of multiple stakeholders. The Moral Minimum perspective acts as a guiding framework that assists organizations in achieving sustainability and accountability by going beyond legal requirements and fulfilling societal ethical standards. By adopting practices aligned with the Moral Minimum, organizations can foster trust, attract stakeholders, and contribute positively to society. Balancing financial performance with social and environmental considerations is a key step towards a more sustainable and responsible business landscape.

References

Joyce, K., Pabayo, R., Critchley, J. A., & Bambra, C. (2010). Flexible working conditions and their effects on employee health and wellbeing. The Cochrane Library, 2010(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd008009.pub2 

Paine, L. S. (2014, August 1). Managing for organizational integrity. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1994/03/managing-for-organizational-integrity 

The Stakeholder Theory of the Corporation: Concepts, Evidence, and Implications on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/258887