The 2012 Summer Olympic Games created an opportunity for sportswear brands Nike, Puma, and Adidas to boost both their profits and reputation in an increasingly competitive worldwide market. While they did accomplish their goals in terms of numbers, all three companies failed to address the most crucial part of their company- their ethical standards.

The article included illustrates how overseas factory workers in Bangladesh have been abused, overworked, underpaid, and have suffered in order for the sportswear brands to increase their profits. The businesses compromised their ethical values and failed to address the needs of all their stakeholders.Unfortunately, these companies have managed to get away with it, and are all still at large. The significance of maintaining business ethics seems to be undermined in this situation, as exploitation is still a tactic that is being used to boost sales. Neither of the companies have taken full responsibility for their actions, and have not taken any large steps to address their inability to maintain business ethics.

In my opinion, in order for a business to be completely successful, they must adhere to their morals when conducting business.Success should not just be measured by looking at statistics and numbers, it should also take into account the conditions all stakeholders are in. By maintaining business ethics, companies have only a positive effect on society and its consumers. Nike, Puma, and Adidas have failed to do so,and must take steps to address this issue in order to progress as a business.

Article: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/mar/03/olympic-brands-abuse-scandal