Rotten Apple: Apple’s Unethical Approach to Commercial Success

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Apple, the World’s most valuable company, is making headlines again.

In light of its new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C products, reports have surfaced revealing a series of legal and ethical violations in a factory in Wuxi, China, where the newly unveiled iPhone 5C is being manufactured. According to an undercover investigation by the China Labor Watch, “hiring discrimination, illegally inadequate pre-work training and millions of dollars in unpaid overtime wages”¹ are just some of the ongoing violations that contradict the codes of conduct set forth by Apple.

Apple has been associated with instances of unethical business practices in the past, with the Foxconn and Pegatron controversies serving as prime examples. In 2012, in an effort to take responsibility amid hostile reports on working conditions, Apple joined the Fair Labor Association, citing its support for transparency in its factories.²

In the short term, iPhones, iPods and iPads alike continue to fly off the shelves.“Social Responsibility” is a key aspect to a successful business as outlined by Friedman. Following this, Apple is continuing to take appropriate measures to eradicate the trend of immoral practices in its business. However, only time will tell how Apple’s involvement with ethical issues will affect long-term sales.

Sources

¹ http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/news/new-463.html

²http://www.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/accountability.html