This topic has been on my mind since class 15, when in section 107 had an extensive discussion regarding CSR and business ethics. Many examples were discussed, such as the factory collapse in Bangladesh, mentioned in Jordan Andrew’s Business Ethics post. Although I didn’t get a chance to get a comment in, I really wanted to express my opinion regarding where blame should be placed in incidents such as this. People tend to immediately jump to the conclusion that the firm is solely responsible. Although I don’t think they are blameless, I think solely blaming the firm responsible is often wrong. As Jordan mentions in his post, a large amount of pressure is placed on the firms to meet demand, causing managers and owners to make decisions that are potentially harmful.

Also, a point that Paul brought up really resonated with me. His example regarding workers who normally worked for a factory with less than ideal working conditions that turned to prostitution when they were released from working at the factory got me thinking about issues surrounding varying standards in different parts of the world. In Canada, if a factory made employees work in unsafe conditions it would obviously be morally wrong. However, in a developing country where a firm is taking people who normally have to resort to illegal activities to make a living and giving them a secure job, with potentially dangerous working conditions, the risks are actually far less for people in the latter situation. Although the firm would be committing a moral wrong-doing if it were located in a country such as the USA, in places such as Bangladesh the firm may actually be providing a positive alternative to worse situations.

I do acknowledge the fact that forcing workers to work in unsafe is conditions is wrong, and in an ideal world should be non-existent. However, as long as there is no blatant disregard for human life, I think there are special circumstances that make less than ideal working conditions an understandable evil…

To summarize, this issue is far broader than what meets the eye. Blame for incidents such as the Bangladesh Factory Collapse should not fall solely on the firm in most situations; the problem is a result of many more diverse factors.