Marketplace ethics is extremely important in today's consumer world. Where would we be without marketplace ethics, without businesses who will guarantee the safety of their customers? Controversy surrounds companies such as Microsoft, charged with unlawful monopolization of the PC operating system market, and tobacco companies whose slick advertisements are aimed at attracting impressionable teenagers. I believe that business ethics must be exercised rigorously. Consumers have rights: the right to safety and protection, the right to information, the right to choose, and the right to quality. It is a matter of pure integrity on the part of certain companies to make certain that consumers know precisely what they are purchasing. Companies must be truthful, no matter what the consequences to themselves, in order to ensure satisfication and safety. Dangerous toy? Recall the item, before an innocent toddler is injured or hurt! The Pinto was a small car that the company Ford manufactured twenty years ago.
Ford Pinto V6
1973 Ford Pinto Runabout
Ford Pinto. Foreground car is a restored example; ...The design of the gas tank was unsafe and a delayed change was the topic of a huge controversy. When the Pinto was hit from behind, the gas tank sometimes exploded. Ford was aware of this when they manufactured the car. The company was eventually accused in the wrongful death of three young women in a criminal trial. Many believe that this case is a good example of corporate greed and disregard for the welfare of customers. Did the company act ethically or not? I do not think so. It is the responsibility of manufacturers to provide warranties or assurances that will live up to their claims. The company, in the Ford Pinto case, completely crossed the line, ignoring their duty to us, the customers. Another interesting debate concerning business ethics is that of advertising. While we highly value the freedom of speech in the United...