The main goals of businesses is to maximize profit in the most efficient manner; yet, should society and government allow businesses to take advantage of workers to optimize earnings if they use unethical conducts that harm the environment and human workers. The main conflict that occurs between corporations and the public is the ongoing disputes over human rights and ethics in the workplace of large corporations, especially involving child workers. Child workers have a unique body size and stamina that maximize performance and are cheap to hire in smaller nations in Africa and Asia. Yet, is this truly ethical; is this a violation of human rights?
Tobacco Field Cr. NYTimes
In Steven Greenhouse’s article “Just 13, and Working Risky 12-Hour Shifts in the Tobacco Fields,” the journalist explains the child labour force situation involving young preteens working in tobacco fields in North Carolina. A shocking element of this article is that this is occurring in America. However, tobacco fields are covered in pesticides, and nicotine poisoning and dehydration are common occurrences for these young workers. Additionally, there are currently no laws that limits the hours of work for young children as long as there are no conflicts with school. Tobacco companies take advantage of these workers to maximize their profit, but is the money worth the harm caused to these young children.
Two Teen Workers Cr. NYTimes
Personally, I agree with Edward Freeman’s opinion in his video “Stakeholder Theory” that states that companies should not only aim to optimize profit, but also value all stakeholders involved. A major stakeholder are employees. The current situation with these young workers is unethical and harmful. I believe that there are other options such as making the work environment safer and lessening the hours of work; a healthier employee is a faster and more productive employee. However, I am not surprised if no changes are made, as the situation currently optimizes profit; allowing change requires effort and may possibly lessen profit made.
I didn’t think poor ethic foundations like this would exist in America today! There should be a law enforced so children working in tobacco fields can work in a safer condition. After all, they are vulnerable children in need of our protection, and we shouldn’t make use of them as just cheap source of labour.
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I didn’t think poor ethic foundations like this would exist in America today! There should be a law enforced so children working in tobacco fields can work in a safer condition. After all, they are vulnerable children in need of our protection, and we shouldn’t make use of them as just cheap source of labour.