Business Gone Green Ethical Reasoning Assignment Essay

AB0603 tune Gone Green estimable ratiocination As auguryment compendious Page Your name Chia XinyingYour Instructor Dr. Josephine LangSeminar base 01 Word Count 1095 Briefly lay out, in bulleted-form in the space provided in spite of appearance this page (i.e., do not elaborate), the content of your write-up in addressing the various criteria in the respectable reasoning rubric. Criteria Your points1. Specify the honorable issue identified * Edited women from their Saudi-Arabian-Arabian-Arabian Arabias catalogue * Goes against Ikea Group and Swedens values * Reflects the pervasive honourable business organization ch wholeenge faced * Further ethical implications such as cultural imperialism 2. Issue construction Theoretical perspectives used to elaborate on the issue * Consequentialism respectable Egoism Self interest to garner business deport justified * Consequentialism Utilitarianism Went against view of majority wild * Deontology Kantianism In accordance to mora l rules of Saudi Arabia, against principle moral of rights * The Conventional Approach Follows conventional Saudi Arabias advertising justified3. Issue construction Uncertainties inherent in the issue * Business ethics and corporate social responsibility- search for universal values for international commercial behaviour * Cultural Imperialism encroachment of Islam values- western hemisphereerners knock what they do not understand, it might not be right to criticize Ikeas behaviour * Intent of altering Saudis assort intent remains unknown 4. Explanation & defense personal effects on mainstay s sellholders * Ikea as a corporation & its employees- negative repercussions on its reputation and credibleness thus imperative for the company to adopt an international guideline * Ikeas local and global customers- legion(predicate) Swedes were offended by Ikeas determination * Swedish government nurture portrayed Sweden as institution gender unequal 5. Conclusion determine, s ynthesis, and trade offs * Important that Ikea stands by its values in all percentage * In order to send the correct message to its consumers target* Corporatered light to Ikea to intromit cultural marketing issues more seriously * Act in the interest of its stakeholders as it serves an indirect representation. * How to gruntle localization with a universal ethics legislation, however, get out remain a challenge for Ikea as come up as other corporations. Checklist 1. Summary page ____ 2. 900 to 1100 Words Essay ___ 3. List of References ____ 4. Signed Declaration of donnish Integrity _____ 5. Self-assessed honourable Reasoning Rubric ______NANYANG BUSINESS SCHOOLAB0603 Business Gone Green respectable Reasoning Assignment1095 words (excluding headers, sub-headers and citations)Name Chia XinyingStudent Matriculation No. U1110173AInstructor Dr Josephine LangDefinition of the Ethical issueIkea, the international furniture company, edited women from their Saudi Arabias catalog ue. This deed is deemed ethically inappropriate, as it seems to support gender in par, which goes against Ikea Group and Swedens values. (Quinn, 2012) Some may argue that Ikea was submitting to crusadeure from the conservative Islamic solid ground while others say that Ikea was just respecting and being understanding towards Saudi Arabias cultural standards. This media coverage aptly reflects the pervasive ethical business challenge faced by globalized companies, where it is difficult to find a relaxation between international commercial behaviour and localization of marketing communications. Moreover, this issue could lead to further ethical implications such as cultural imperialism, which will be discussed further.Theoretical Perspectives to Elaborate on the Issue 1) Principles feeler(a) Consequentialism Ethical EgoismUnder the egoism start, Ikeas decision is justifiable as the move to meet Saudi monarchys gender segregation rules (Kayyem, 2012) could be seen as an act of self-interest to garner business support in a male-dominated society. On the other hand, Ikea may have also thought that it is an ethical action to be sharp to womens rights in Saudi Arabia and conform to them.(b) Consequentialism UtilitarianismOn the basis that future(a) the view of the majority will produce the best consequence, Ikeas action is unjustifiable as its action is against the values of Ikea, Sweden and even linked Nations (United Nations Millennium Goals). Ikeas act has thus garnered galore(postnominal) bad press and negative reaction from the general public. It has also worsened its own pit image and reputation in the globalized economy.(c) Deontology -KantianismIkeas actions argon in accordance to moral rules dictated by the Sharia council as womens rights in Saudi Arabia is largely influenced and defined by Islam and tribal customs. However, this conflicts with the moral principle of rights stating that, All homo beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. (Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of gracious Rights)2) The Conventional ApproachIn this final approach, the justification of an act depends on the prevailing norms of the society. In Saudis advertisements, women only appear infrequently. (Quinn, 2012) It is not unusual to see censors blacking out many part of a womens body in imported magazines. Thus Ikeas actions will be deemed agreeable to the conventional approach of advertisements in Saudi Arabia.From the antithetic theoretical perspectives above, it clear that the moral rules and principles that Saudi Arabia companions is different from the rest of the world. Thus it really boils down to which values do Ikea chooses to uphold.Uncertainties Inherent in the Issue(a) Business ethics and corporate social responsibilityBeing a globalized business, Ikea will be constantly relations with business ethics issue such as the search for universal values for international commercial behaviour. For example, when you adap t your business practices to the countrys customs, cultural values and legal requirements, it might be seen as un wearable in your home markets. (Baker, 2012) Vice versa, if Ikea were to release an unaltered version of the catalogues in Saudi Arabia, would at that place be a backlash in the Muslim community? This business uncertainty remains a challenge to international companies.(b) Cultural Imperialism Infringement of Islam valuesFurthermore, there are many misconceptions in the West about womens life in Saudi Arabia (NAFJAN, 2012). Western critics towards women rights in Saudi has failed to understand the uniqueness of Saudi Society(Zoepf, 2010) and thus should not inflict western values or lifestyles on the Saudi Arabians said journalist Maha Akeei, a frequent critic of Saudis patriarchal customs. (Hiel, 2007) Since Westerners criticize what they do not understand, it might not be right to criticize Ikeas behaviour when Ikea is being sensitive to their culture.(c) Intent of al tering Saudis CatalogueWhile the reason why Ikea decided to leading away from their progressive Swedish values at home is unclear, it is difficult to ascertain whether the issue was ethical as mentioned earlier.Effects on anchor stakeholders(a) Ikea as a corporation & its employeesIkea has always been a brand conscious company who has an imagethat cares about sustainability and its moral values. The company is named one of the Worlds close to Ethical Companies for the fourth consecutive year in 2010. (PRNewswire, 2010) However, the fact that the company could betray the companys values at the drop of a hat, have disappointed many of its customers. Even though Ikea was restless to apologise, its actions already has negative repercussions on its reputation and credibility. (KnowledgeWharton, 2012) Therefore, it is imperative for the company to adopt an international guideline for its employees to follow to better deal with such dilemmas in the future. The company continued We are now reviewing our routines to safeguard a correct content presentation from a values point of view in the different versions of the IKEA Catalogue worldwide. (Quinn, 2012)(b) Ikeas local and global customersMoreover, many Swedes were offended by Ikeas decision, believing that the deletion of women from the Saudi catalogue portrayed their country as being gender unequal.(Vasic, 2012) Global customers who are supporters of womens rights will also think less of Ikea and be less loyal towards Ikea.(c) Swedish governmentEven though Ikea is a private company, it inevitably projects an image of Sweden around the world. (Swedish equality minister Nyamko Sabuni, CBC News, 2012) An article of the Swedish Institute also further substantiates that Ikea is doing more for the image of Sweden than all governmental efforts (Wstberg, O., 2009). As mentioned, Ikeas decision might have portrayed Sweden as being gender unequal, thus it is important for Ikea to uphold Swedens image, as it is a corporate representation of the country.In all, Ikeas reputation has taken a bell shape and should operate with the right values expected from its customers.ConclusionBased on the ethical theories of egoism, conventional approach and moral rules in Saudi Arabia, Ikeas actions are deemed ethical while based on utilitarianism and principles of rights, their actions are deemedunethical. While one can never satisfy everyone, it is important that Ikea stands by its values in all circumstances, (i.e. sent the original Swedish version of the catalogue to Saudi Arabia) especially when it involves a violation of valet rights, (KnowledgeWharton, 2012) to send the correct message to its consumers target. While there might be nuances of cultural imperialism when different stakeholders criticize Ikeas actions, it once again boils down to understanding both cultures fully before making a stand.To recapitulate, through globalization and communications revolution, it is inevitable for companies to face et hical and cultural conflicts. Ikea reflects the realistic marketing choices confronting many globalized companies around the world, with the companies not hesitating to localize their marketing communications though it is against the companys code of conduct. While Ikeas motive remains unknown, it has apologised nonetheless. This lesson learnt serves as a corporate red light to Ikea to take cultural marketing issues more seriously and to act in the interest of its stakeholders as it serves an indirect representation. Also, on the nose how to reconcile localization with a universal ethics code, however, will remain a challenge for Ikea as well as other corporations.ReferencesQuinn, B. (2012). Ikea apologises over removal of women from Saudi Arabia catalogue. The Guardian http//www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/02/ikea-apologises-removing-women-saudi-arabia-catalogueUnited Nation. (2010) United Nations Millennium Goals http//www.un.org/millenniumgoals/United Nations (2010) The Univer sal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1http//www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtmlBaker (2012) IKEAs Saudi catalogue apology right and wronghttp//www.mallenbaker.net/csr/post.php?id=453Zoepf, Katherine (2010). Talk of Womens Rights Divides Saudi Arabia. The New York Times.http//www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/world/middleeast/01iht-saudi.html?pagewanted=1&src=me&_r=0Hiel, Betsy (2007). Dhahran women push the veil aside. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved 19 September 2010. http//triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/middleeastreports/s_507462.htmlPRNewswire ( 2010) IKEA Named as One of the Worlds Most Ethical Companies for Fourth Consecutive Year in 2010 http//www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ikea-named-as-one-of-the-worlds-most-ethical-companies-for-fourth-consecutive-year-in-2010-89384407.htmlArabic KnowledgeWharton. (2012, October 16). Missing the Picture IKEAs Women-free Catalogue in Saudi Arabia Fails to Protect Company value and Reputation. Retrieved from Arabic KnowledgeWhar ton http//knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/arabic/article.cfm?articleid=2880Vasic 2012 Ikea Erases Women From Saudi Arabian Catalogue http//blogs.ubc.ca/ninavasic/2012/10/02/15/Swedish equality minister Nyamko Sabuni, CBC News, 2012 Ikea regrets editing women out of Saudi cataloguehttp//www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/10/01/ikea-saudi-catalogue-controversy.htmlWstberg, O.(2009) Branding Sweden & Ikeahttp//www.placemarketing.nl/countrybranding/branding-sweden-ikea/Declaration of Academic IntegrityDeclaration of Academic IntegrityPlease sign (for hard copy submissions) or put a tick in the box (for onlinesubmissions) to indicate that you have read and accepted the following statements. Your assignment will not be accepted without this declaration --I confirm that-I have read and understood the Universitys Shared Values & Honour Code, including the breeding on practices concerning the academic integrity (given in http//academicintegrity.ntu.edu.sg/a-guide-to-academic-integrity/) and that in the attached coursework submission I have worked within its expectations. -I am aware that failure to act in accordance with the Universitys Shared Values & Honour Code may lead to the imposition of penalties which may include the requirement to revise and feed back an assignment, receiving a lower grade, or receiving an F grade for the assignment suspension from the University or termination of my candidature. -I consent to the University copying and distributing any or all of my work in any form and utilize third parties to verify whether my work contains plagiarised material, and for quality assurance purposes. I have read and accept the above.If you require any further guidance about academic integrity, please talk to your profess or refer to http//academicintegrity.ntu.edu.sgCourse title Business Gone GreenCourse Code AB0603Assignment Ethical ReasoningI, Chia Xinying, declare that the work which I am submitting is original and that I have made beseeming referencing and ci tations (where appropriate andrequired).Chia Xinying 10th March 2013NameDateSignatureAB 0603 Business Gone GreenEthical Reasoning RubricISSUE DEFINITION Describes the Issue of the SituationWeak Defines the issue either too narrowly or too broadly with embedded personal biases Average Defines the explicit issue appropriately and impartially Professional Defines the issue holistically and impartially with logical elaboration Weak Average Professional____________________________ 1 2 3 ISSUE whirl Identifies Alternative Theoretical Perspectives Weak Identifies only one theoretical perspective with scrimp elaboration Average Identifies only two theoretical perspectives with some elaboration Professional Identifies numerous clever theoretical perspectives with good elaboration Weak Average Professional____________________________ 1 2 3 ISSUE CONSTRUCTION Identifies and Elaborates on Uncertainties Weak Unable to identify uncertainties inherent in the ethical situation Average Identifi es only a few uncertainties inherent in the situation with curt elaboration Professional Incorporates a umbrella understanding of uncertainties with logical arguments Weak Average Professional_____________________________ 1 2 3 EXPLANATION ANDJUSTIFICATION Discusses Effects on Key Stakeholders Weak Does not directly describe effects of issue on key stakeholders Average Provides little or only superficial discussion of effects of issue on key stakeholders Professional Identifies the key stakeholders and addresses their interests and concerns holistically with evidentiary support Weak Average Professional_____________________________ 1 2 3 inference Clarifies Values, Synthesis and Trade-offsWeak Does not discuss the issue holistically and does not explain how various factors were weighed in arriving at a conclusion Average Discuss the issue within a narrow context and provides inadequate evaluation of alternatives and weighing of factors Professional Provides a holistic discussi on of the issue, reconciles conflicting values/interests, and justifies trade-offs made in reaching a conclusion Weak Average Professional_____________________________ 1 2 3 Sources (a) Wolcott, Susan k., (2005). Colloquium on remove in Accounting Education, October 28, 2005. (b) Sonenshein, Scott. (2007) The role of construction, intuition and justification in responding to ethical issues at work the sensemaking-intuition model. honorary society of Management Review, Vol. 32, No.4, pp. 1022-1040.