Speaking of business ethics, I would like to talk about the Nike corporation which we also mentioned last class. As we all know that, around 2000 in Pakistan, Nike was reported to use child labor in its manufacturing line.
Children under the age of 18 were protected by law almost in every country, however, this well-known company was taking the advantage of those cheaper slaves to make a higher profit and the executives claimed that they are improving the factory conditions. According to the BBC news, several child labours were exploited, they work approximately 16 hours every day without having a rest. This situation is also called production in sweatshops, these children are not older enough to work for such a long time but with low salaries. In other words, it is unethical for a business firm to ignore their workers and their physical conditions, stakeholders like supplier and employer should keep themself in a win-win relationship. Although it is a piece of a pretty old news, it is a good example in terms of not having business ethics.
References:
Faraz Azam. “TED Case Studies.” NIKE and Child Labor. N.p., June-July 1999. Web. 05 Sept. 2013 <http://www1.american.edu/ted/nike.htm>