Regardless of what I have been introduced to about sustainability in business, or business ethical numerous times, I feel like it is easier said than being done. From my own interpretation of the course content, there are businesses that are being sustainable and business ethical for the sake of the environment and society. However, based on my analysis, I discover that most businesses are doing this for a marketing reason, such as building a “greener” image for the company, or attracting customers that support sustainable actions. Ultimately, businesses are trying to be sustainable and business ethical, such that it will yield a maximized profit in the forms of money, brand image, or long-term marketing effects. Furthermore, if companies focus too much on doing business ethical activities, doesn’t investor , or lender feel like that companies are wasting money on activities that doesn’t generate profit, nor benefit both the investor, or lender and the company financially? Therefore, I am more supportive on Milton Friedman’s theory about corporate ethics, which suggests that the business should maximize profit while following social responsible customs. In short, a business without a solid foundation will not follow business ethics as they cannot stay competitive against rival companies , nor to last long enough for the financial effect of business ethics to be apparent.

Reference:

http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ubc/reader.action?docID=10187339&ppg=171