Category: Business Ethics

Post #5 Business Ethics – Federici Ice Cream

Post author By Dexter Lee
Post date October 3, 2010
1 Comment on Post #5 Business Ethics – Federici Ice Cream

After reading https://blogs.ubc.ca/veronicacho/2010/09/16/a-pregnant-nun-and-gelato-a-breach-of-ethics/, I was compelled to look into the string of advertisements by the company Federici ice-cream (example seen above). The following is my view on Federici’s marketing strategy.

There is an advertisement for Federici ice cream in the UK that was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. The advertisement shows sexual tension between a nun and a Priest with a caption that reads “Submit to Temptation”.

I understand how the advertisement can sell the ice cream as ice cream is considered to be fattening and unhealthy, so people tend to stay away from it, and Federici would like more people to submit to the temptation of ice cream and consume more of it. It is basically relating ice cream to one of the most taboo relationships in the world, namely between a nun and a priest.

I do not feel that this advertisement is ethical as Federici is exploiting religion in order to sell its product. It is linking sex and religion and by doing so, it damages the image of religion. This form of advertising is offensive to a lot of people and as it is making fun of religion, the ethicality of this advertisement is limited.

Word Count: 199

-dex

Business Ethics In-class Assignment

Post #2 Ethics – Mott’s

In today’s Comm101 class, we were given a group assignment to do in-class. The assignment had to do with whether or not Mott’s management should try to get workers to accept lower wages. The context of the problem is that Mott’s is earning record profits and still wants to cut its labor costs.

In a group, we came to a decision that Mott’s management should NOT try to get workers to accept lower wages. This is because the workers are the people who are making the products which is the reason behind Mott’s record profits. Instead of lower wages, they should be offering them a bonus instead! Another point is that by trying to force the workers to accept lower wages, they are decreasing the employees’ incentive of working harder, which as stated in the Shareholder Theory, will lead to a declining business.

Word Count: 145

-dex

Business Ethics

Post #1 Business Ethics

Article Title: Freight Hauling Company Settles Discrimination Suit for $10 Million
Source: Chicago Tribune
Link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0916-race-discrimination-lawsu20100915,0,910722.story

African American employees of Roadway Express and YRC Inc. have been discriminated against due to their race. Complaints include how the African American workers were “subjected to harsher discipline and scrutiny than their white counterparts” and “given more difficult and time-consuming work”. The article also states the first complaint dates back to 2004 where “allegations of bias and discrimination” was reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOP). However, it took six years until the company settled the lawsuit.

I am disturbed that in this day and age, when we are meant to treat others equally, there are still people who discriminate against others due to race. I believe that in the 21st century, people of all races should be able to work well with one another and should not be favored or be biased due to ones race.

As an Asian about to enter the business world, I hope that the issues of racial discrimination will not affect me. I would like to be respected and given work according to my performance and status in the company. Racial discrimination or discrimination of any form should not be tolerated in the business world or anywhere for that matter.

Word Count: 198

– dex