Further Discussion Analysis

Please review the DQ forum for this week. Select 2-3 postings from your peers to analyze in your personal assignment response. For your personal assignment this week;

Write a 1-2 page summary on your analysis of the discussion comments and how you believe this content has increased your ethical self-awareness. Please include alternatives, analysis, application, and action.

The assignment should be submitted as a Word document and APA format is required. The title page and reference page are not counted in the 1-2 page requirement.

*Please remember to include your results from this assignment on your ethics portfolio for the final project. The dropbox will be in Week 8.

View your assignment rubric.

Matthew Wheeler 

Week 4 Discussion

Good afternoon Team! I hope you are all doing well, and simply pushing through this course as well as you all had hoped! Its truly remarkable that we are already at the halfway point! Good luck on the midterm this week! Im rooting for the success of each and everyone of you.
The Theo Chocolate Company video case study offers a profound insight into the application of business ethics within the context of the chocolate industry. Theo Chocolate’s approach goes beyond merely complying with ethical standards; it embeds ethics into the core of its business model. This is particularly evident in their commitment to fair trade practices and organic farming, which not only ensures the welfare of their cocoa farmers but also promotes environmental sustainability.

The case study exemplifies how ethical considerations in business are not just about avoiding harm, but actively doing good. Theo Chocolate’s initiatives, such as providing fair wages, investing in community development, and maintaining transparency in their supply chain, illustrate a holistic approach to ethical business. This approach not only enhances their brand image but also establishes a strong connection with consumers who value ethical standards.

In summary, Theo Chocolate’s business model serves as a compelling example of how integrating ethical practices into the fabric of a company’s operations can create value for all stakeholders involved. It challenges the traditional view of business ethics as a constraint on profitability, showcasing instead that ethical business practices can drive success and sustainability.

The CVS “Fired Up” about Social Responsibility case study provides a compelling examination of how a corporation can integrate social responsibility into its core operations to achieve significant positive societal impact. This aligns closely with the themes of ethical leadership and corporate citizenship discussed in the chapter, demonstrating how ethical considerations can guide strategic business decisions to foster community well-being and environmental sustainability.

CVS’s decision to cease the sale of tobacco products is a prime example of putting ethical considerations above short-term profits. This bold move, rooted in the company’s commitment to health and wellness, underscores the importance of aligning business operations with core values. It vividly illustrates the chapter’s discussion on the ethical responsibility of businesses to prioritize the health and safety of the community.

Comparing CVS’s initiatives with my personal ethics assessment results, which highlight a strong inclination towards ethical leadership and social responsibility, I find a deep resonance with CVS’s approach. My assessment underscored a commitment to making decisions that positively impact society and the environment, mirroring CVS’s actions to prioritize community health over profit.

This case study exemplifies the potential of ethical business practices to create meaningful change. It reinforces the idea that businesses, by adhering to ethical principles, can lead by example, driving industry-wide shifts towards more sustainable and socially responsible practices. CVS’s journey serves as an inspiration, encouraging individuals and businesses alike to reflect on their values and the broader impact of their decisions.

Robert Kinne 

Week 4 Discussion

Question 1

Theo Chocolate Company decided to start buying the cacao beans it uses to make its chocolate from farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after owner Joe Whinney toured the area with actor Ben Affleck and other business owners and philanthropists. Whinney’s company has decided to pay farmers in the area three times the rate they normally receive from others. Theo Chocolate Company’s goal to help farmers in impoverished areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has led to in increase in living wages. His efforts have also provided farmers with the education they need to continue sustainable crop production and methods for cultivating higher quality crop yields. According to a written by The Guardian Theo Chocolate Company now provides a livelihood for almost 2,000 farmers in the Congo region. Owner Joe Whinney believes his customers are willing to pay more for his company’s products knowing their purchases will help farmers earn livable wages.

Ben Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative foundation was initially responsible for bringing Joe Whinney and other business owners into the Congo region to connect them with impoverished farmers to benefit both the business owners and the communities in the region. An article titled ” Celebrity-led development organizations: the legitimating function of elite engagement” discusses how celebrity led efforts in human rights, humanitarianism and development initiatives rely on fewer people and corporate influence while producing similar results as other organizations. While some still question the legitimacy and intentions of celebrity-led organizations there is no doubt as to whether the efforts of celebrities like Ben Affleck and businesses like Theo Chocolate company have made a difference in a region that has suffered recently as a result of civils wars, corrupt officials and the lack of proper education.

Question 2

The CVS case study discusses some of the questionable and unethical business practices that the company has engaged in over the years and the steps they have taken to change how they do business. Between HIPAA violations, deceptive business practices, overdistribution of Oxycodone and the death of a shoplifter the company has been in the spotlight several times for unethical practices it has been involved in. Though CVS was forced to pay fines and settlements because of their actions they suffered a bigger blow to their brand image than their finances.

CVS has recently attempted to reimage its brand by focusing more on consumer health rather than being a pharmacy that sells healthcare and consumer products. The introduction of MinuteClinics and healthcare services have been a big part of their branding efforts. CVS also made the decision to stop selling tobacco and nicotine products in its stores as they view their sales of those products to be contradictory to their focus on consumer health.

Transparency regarding how companies conduct business and how they protect their customers’ information is something that I feel is important when I choose to do business with an organization. This was an area where CVS had issues in the past, but they have since taken steps to resolve such problems.

Budabin, A. C., Rasmussen, L. M., & Richey, L. A. (2017). Celebrity-led development organisations: the              legitimating function of elite engagement. Third World Quarterly, 38(9), 1952–1972. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2017.1322465

Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business ethics – ethical decision making and cases (12th ed.). Cengage.T

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