After reading the article in The Economist: “Working conditions in factories when the jobs inspector calls”, I have concluded that these companies are only improving their business ethics because they have no other choice.  Labour associations and other organizations are sent to “look at [some] of the factories in China” used by large companies such as Nike and Apple.  In order to protect their reputation, these companies are forced to improve working conditions and follow stricter codes of conduct.  Without this pressure, most of these companies will not even bother focusing on ethical working practices.  Profit is the number one objective and when excess monthly output is demanded, many companies have no choice but to go against ethical practices and lose control of working hours.   As mentioned in the article, factor managers often “bribe auditors” and “use fake books showing shorter hours” and surprisingly, many workers are more than willingly to collaborate.  As someone living in a first world country, little do I know of the many more unethical practices that may be happening behind the scenes.  Although the working conditions have vastly improved from decades ago, we must reflect on what types of business practices are being used and realize what companies will do for extra profit.

www.economist.com/node/21551498‎