Ethics in business. This has always been a controversial topic among politicians, businessmen, philosophers, even the general public. There are valid arguments for both sides, them being “businesses are not ethical as their only goal is to maximize profits” and “businesses are ethical as there is a shift from the mindset of only maximizing profits”. I personally believe that most businesses are ethical. It is true that businesses intend to maximize profits, but it is not their only goal and should not be their only goal.

For example, Starbucks is a major business which tries to be sustainable in all their products, from coffee mugs to tissue paper and believes as a company, it is responsible to make a positive difference in the community. Target, a massive retail company, protects and supports the rights of the LGBT+ community. Costco’s CEO endorses raising the minimum wage to help their employees actually earn a living. In recent news, many online companies such as Tumblr, Etsy, Netflix, and others have come together to protest Net Neutrality.

While there are many businesses who proclaim they are ethical, some even greenwashing their products to perceive they are being sustainable, there are also many businesses who care about the social, economical, political and environmental factors revolving around its business as well as the community.

Links

Starbucks : http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility

Target in support for LGBT+ :http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/06/target-gay-marriage-stance-_n_5654924.html

Costco :http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/19/reasons-love-costco_n_4275774.html

Net Neutrality: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/net-neutrality-promoters-declare-an-internet-slowdown-day/