Category Archives: Business Ethics

Blog #8 – Response to Hayley Moeller’s Post

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Reading through my colleague’s posts, I really like this particular post by Hayley Moeller. Her post “What can Air Canada learn from Zappos?” outlined the problem of Air Canada’s upcoming $25 baggage charge for the economy class. I noticed that Hayley did not use a news article but attached a hyperlink to Air Canada’s baggage charge webpage. Thus, I decided to search on the web and came across an article on Global News that talked about the same problem from another’s perspective.

air-canada

Image Source – Google

I do agree with Hayley’s point of view as I think Air Canada is manipulating the industry and its consumers by implementing this new charge as Air Canada has little competition. Recalling the pre-reading for class 19 like Hayley, I admire the technique that Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos, is using in his business. I am certain that he is 100% dedicated to his customers and employees as he has implemented an excellent organizational culture, in which differentiates him from his competitors in the shoe industry. Air Canada should definitely learn a few tips from Zappos to better serve their customers. Like what Hayley said, “Air Canada could learn from Zappos’ implementation of incentives that keep employees dedicated to their jobs and willing to put up with unpleasant customers”, I believe Air Canada can do better.

Reference

Ramsay, Melissa. “Air Canada to Charge $25 Fee for First Checked Bag on Economy Fares.”Global News. 18 Sept. 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014. <http://globalnews.ca/news/1570123/air-canada-to-charge-25-fee-for-first-checked-bag-on-economy-fares/>.

“Changes to Checked Baggage Policy.” – Aircanada.com. Web. 8 Nov. 2014. <http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/140918.html>.

Blog #6 – Do You Notice a Goat on Your Head?

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As a Chinese-Canadian resident in Canada, I understand perfectly that Chinese people are CHEAP. They compete aggressively in the nation’s market, including hair salons, by using cheaper resources to acquire higher returns. In this article, the owner of a hair salon tries to cut costs by using a fake scale to weight wigs. She then combines goat hair with human hair to further minimize production cost. Her entire clientele base is consumed of women from African countries; therefore I believe that more African women suffer from alopecia (severe hair loss disease) than any other races.

colorful wigs

Image Source – Google

Through this reading, I learned that businesses, such as this hair salon, make poor ethical decisions due to the increasing cost of living expenses. However, I think that it is crucial for owners, retailers, and manufacturers/producers to understand and take ethical measures in their businesses. The idea of CSR (corporate social responsibility) is increasingly popular in the today’s society. Thus, countless businesses compete to become more socially responsible “corporate” citizens. Aside from business learning, I also gained a better understanding about the hair loss issue with African women. They love to customize their hair by braiding, thus suffer a serious hair loss disease called alopecia. In order to hide the side effects of the disease, they buy wigs and continue to customize their hairdos but inconveniently and unfortunately, the wig’s composition is half human, half goat hair.

A goat is wearing a coat because its hair is made into hair extensions.

Image Source – Google

Reference

Piranty, Sam. “Why You Might Find a Bit of Goat in Your Hair.” BBC News. 9 Oct. 2014. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28894757>.

Doheny, Kathleen. “African-American Women Have Specific Hair Issues.” WebMD. WebMD, 21 Mar. 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-styling/20120321/african-american-women-have-specific-hair-issues>.

 

Blog #5 – Hydroelectric Project Causes Major Issues on BC First Nations Land

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According to the article “First Nation chiefs to stage Site C showdown“, I think BC Hydro needs to take First Nations people more seriously. They failed to realize First Nations communities as an external factor that can impact the process of the hydroelectric mega project. As the reader, I think the social/cultural factor is heavily involved in this issue. I believe that First Nations residents should have a say in the positive/negative environmental changes on their land. Traditional practices such as fishing could have a negative impact from the development of the hydroelectric project as the dam will destroy farmlands and habitats.

A meeting with B.C. Premier, Christy Clark and a number of B.C. Indian chiefs in Vancouver.

Image Source – The Vancouver Sun

Since BC Hydro disregarded First Nations residents as an important external factor, they now face the consequence where the government is involved. If the government wishes to stay on good terms with First Nations communities, they will be more inclined to reject the project. However, the project will bring positive economic changes in the local mining industries so I think the government will have trouble reaching a solution. Ultimately, I think BC Hydro needs to reason with First Nations people on the issue because the project will provide many benefits to the Canadian economy such as employment and cleaner hydroelectric power for mining industries.

 

Reference

O’NEIL, PETER. “First Nation Chiefs to Stage Site C Showdown.” Www.vancouversun.com. 18 Sept. 2014. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First Nation chiefs stage Site showdown/10215965/story.html>.

Blog #1 – Business Ethics: Is water free?

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I am concerned about the ethical problems with BC freshwater regulations as I am permanent resident of BC. An article on Timescolonist.com captured my attention as it talks about this problem in details.

I learned that due to the lack of BC government regulations, Nestle Waters Canada draws FREE fresh water in Hope every year; approximately 265 million litres per year. And because BC’s jurisdiction does not regulate groundwater usage, businesses gain the opportunity to take advantage of the law to make more money, which I believe is an unethical decision.

Besides Nestle Waters Canada, companies such as Whistler Waters and Mountain Spring Water also draws groundwater for zero dollars and sells it back to the public in plastic bottles. However, the difference between Nestle Waters Canada and other water companies is that Nestle voluntarily provide annual reports on the amount of water they extract in wells in Hope, whereas the smaller companies refuse to provide such publications.

Furthermore, Nestle Waters Canada is willing to pay for the amount of groundwater they withdraw in Hope, acknowledging the social responsibilities that they must enact to all its stakeholders. I think that Nestle is trying to be ethical by acknowledging its social responsibilities but if nothing is changed in BC’s jurisdictions, the problem with freshwater will not improve.

Image Source – Cowichan Valley Citizen

Reference

Fumano, Dan. “‘Wild West’ of Groundwater: Billion-dollar Nestlé Extracting B.C.’s Drinking Water for Free Times Colonist. 14 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/wild-west-of-groundwater-billion-dollar-nestlé-extracting-b-c-s-drinking-water-for-free-1.587568>.