Business Ethics 2
Introduction
In business, there exists certain code of ethics that act as a guiding principle (Walker,
2016). Business ethics refer to the expected code of conduct that any business should conform to
in its operations. When a business acts unethically, then, it means that its actions are not in
conformity with the accepted standards required in its operation activities (Walker, 2016).
Examples of unethical business practices in the real world scenario includes exploitation of
workers by the business, tax evasions, harmful dumping of toxins and issues of product design
technicality (Walker, 2016). Nike is one company that has fallen victim of operating unethically
in the past. It has involved itself in the use of child labor, payment of low wages to its
employees, poor working conditions and
Theories that the company can use in overcoming its unethical business practices
i. The theory of utilitarianism: This theory dictates that being ethical involves doing the
greatest good for everybody (de Colle and Werhane, 2017). In the Nike Company
Scenario, this theory would strongly be appealing on their case. In Nike Company
scenario, it would be of importance to look at the general welfare of the employees
through proper remuneration and improved working conditions. It should not only focus
on generating profits for itself but also mind of the welfare of its other players.
ii. Rawls theory of justice: Under this theory, there is an alternative to the theory of
utilitarianism through application of fairness, free will and equality (de Colle and
Werhane, 2017). This theory propagates that people should be rational and that they
should value their own good. In the Nike case, the company management can apply this
theory in ensuring that there is equality for everybody in the company. That every
employee is paid a decent wage, that there are proper working conditions and that the