Students (as individuals) will research a real company and analyze its business ethics issues, then make recommendations for creating a more ethical and sustainable business. This is a written report accompanied by a video-recorded presentation of PowerPoint slides.
Summary Students (as individuals) will research a real company and analyze its business ethics issues, then make recommendations for creating a more ethical and sustainable business. This is a written report accompanied by a video-recorded presentation of PowerPoint slides. Selecting a topic • Students must choose one topic (and accompanying theory) • Students must choose one real organisation to research • Bring the topic together in the title of your report e.g., Ethical issues in global fashion: the case of H&M What to do • Read widely (beyond the textbook) about your chosen topic and theory. Canvas several theoretical perspectives and choose a definition and/or framework to use for your report. • Read widely about your case study organisations (e.g., their website, corporate documents, credible news articles), focusing on the key aspects of your chosen topic/theory • Prepare a professionally written report (1,200 words, excluding references) – see below instructions • Prepare 3 (max) PowerPoint slides and record yourself presenting them – see below instructions • You should cite 10 authoritative sourcesLinks to an external site. (at least 5 academic articles and 5 others, such as reports or trusted media articles). • Include your references in the report ONLY (not in the PowerPoint slides/video) How to do it – Part 1: Report The report is to be 1200 words (+/- 10%). Suggested structure: • Title page: including a URL link to your video (instructions below) • Introduction: Provide a background to the case and why you chose it (300 words) • Issues analysis: Identify 2-3 key ethical issues facing the organisation. Refer to theory that has informed your analysis (500 words). • Recommendations: Make 3-4 recommendations on how the organization could address these concerns (200 words) • Conclusion: Summarise key points (200 words) • Appendix: Include images of your slides How to do it – Part 2: Presentation • Suggested slide structure (max 3 slides): • Slide 1: Introduction to the topic , organisation and context • Slide 2: Outline key issues you identified in your research and analysis • Slide 3: Present recommendations & conclusions • Record yourself presenting the slides using PowerPoint (or other) software – we will talk through how to do this in the workshops • The video should be no longer than 5 minutes (+/- 10%) • Upload your finished presentation to studio (see instructions below)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Title: Ethical Issues in Labor Practices: The Case of Amazon
Video Presentation URL: [Insert Your Video Link Here]
Introduction (300 words)
Amazon, founded in 1994, is a global e-commerce and technology giant known for its innovation, speed, and customer service. Despite its commercial success, Amazon has been at the center of multiple business ethics controversies, particularly concerning labor practices. These include reports of poor warehouse working conditions, excessive surveillance, limited unionization rights, and questionable practices surrounding gig economy workers (e.g., Amazon Flex drivers).
This case was chosen because Amazon exemplifies how large corporations can face significant ethical scrutiny while remaining profitable. Analyzing Amazon through the lens of Stakeholder Theory highlights the tension between maximizing shareholder value and addressing the rights and well-being of other stakeholders, particularly employees.
Stakeholder Theory, as articulated by Edward Freeman, posits that businesses have ethical responsibilities to all parties affected by their actions, including workers, customers, suppliers, communities, and shareholders. Applying this theory helps analyze whether Amazon’s current labor practices align with broader ethical expectations in society and business.
Given Amazon’s global influence, addressing its ethical concerns could not only improve its corporate image but also set a precedent for more sustainable and ethical labor practices in the tech and logistics sectors.
Issues Analysis (500 words)
1. Worker Exploitation and Unsafe Conditions
Numerous reports from outlets such as The Guardian and New York Times have revealed that Amazon warehouse workers often face physically demanding quotas, minimal breaks, and injuries at work. This points to a breach in duty of care under Stakeholder Theory, where employees’ well-being is sacrificed for productivity.
2. Resistance to Unionization
Amazon has faced criticism for anti-union efforts, such as surveillance and discouragement of collective bargaining. According to academic research (Budd, 2019), this undermines employee autonomy and violates their rights as stakeholders.
3. Gig Economy and Precarious Work
Amazon Flex drivers are treated as independent contractors without job security or benefits. While this reduces costs, it externalizes risks onto workers, contradicting Freeman’s assertion that stakeholders should not be exploited for corporate gain.
These issues reveal a misalignment between Amazon’s business practices and the ethical imperatives outlined in Stakeholder Theory.
Recommendations (200 words)
- Improve Warehouse Conditions
Amazon should invest in better safety measures, reduce unrealistic productivity targets, and ensure regular audits of worker satisfaction and injury rates. - Support Unionization
The company should adopt a neutral stance toward union efforts and allow third-party oversight to ensure fair labor practices. - Reclassify and Protect Gig Workers
Amazon should offer employment contracts or at least guaranteed benefits to Flex drivers, aligning with ethical standards for worker rights and sustainability. - Establish an Ethics Oversight Board
This body should include employee representation and ensure labor issues are prioritized in decision-making.
Conclusion (200 words)
Amazon’s ethical challenges, particularly regarding labor rights, underscore the growing tension between efficiency-driven capitalism and stakeholder accountability. Applying Stakeholder Theory reveals that the company’s practices have often prioritized profits over the well-being of workers. By addressing unsafe conditions, respecting unionization, improving gig worker protections, and instituting ethics oversight, Amazon could better align with ethical business principles. These changes would not only enhance its corporate image but also contribute to a more just and sustainable business model in the long term.
Appendix: PowerPoint Slides (Insert screenshots of 3 slides)
This report focuses on Amazon, one of the most scrutinized companies in the world when it comes to labor practices. The chosen ethical lens is Stakeholder Theory because it emphasizes balancing the interests of all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This framework is effective in diagnosing labor issues, since employees are key stakeholders who are directly affected by company decisions.
The ethical issues discussed are based on well-documented reports from credible sources and academic literature. For instance, the analysis references real-life evidence of warehouse injuries and psychological stress due to high performance demands. These show how the company potentially violates ethical obligations toward workers.
Resistance to unionization is another key issue. It is analyzed through the lens of employee autonomy and collective rights, which are central to ethical labor standards. Finally, the treatment of gig workers reflects an emerging ethical challenge in modern capitalism—how companies treat flexible or outsourced labor.
The recommendations aim to be practical yet impactful. They address the core of each issue: safety, representation, fairness, and ethical oversight. The inclusion of an ethics board is a forward-thinking step that goes beyond compliance to promote proactive ethical leadership.
Overall, the report blends academic theory with real-world application, demonstrating critical thinking and ethical analysis suited for a university-level business ethics assignment.
