Post #5-The Ethical Dilemma of Nestlé Water
What I suggest that Nestlé/BlueTriton should do is to reduce the use of water, or maybe reduce the production of mineral water. On the other hand, it is also possible to recycle in plastic buckets, and improve the use of filtered water, and the production of living distilled water, in a different direction to living drinking water. While companies will spend more because of the change in direction, it will allow companies to become more ethical over time.
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| https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2022-01-20/environmentalists-fight-to-shut-down-bottled-water-operation |
The moral framework behind such reasoning is virtue, because as a large multinational corporation, and it has been around for many years, a lot of things don't change in an instant. Therefore, companies should focus on long term character development, in other words, companies should gradually improve those unethical past, starting with small changes, and finally changing the entire operating model. This can also gradually change the public's view of the company, so that the company and the public will have a win-win situation.
Another ethical framework I think is deontological, because companies should focus on duties or obligations of sustainable use of resources, use water resources rationally, and be truly "good managers of the environment" as they say. And the company also has this obligation to protect these non-renewable resources, not to be wrong. Using deontological, I think companies should really do what they promise to the public and make a real contribution to protecting the environment. Instead of focusing on maximizing profits.
I think Virtue ethics fits your philosophy well. Change doesn't happen overnight and that is especially true for large corporations. Including deontology in your post was also a good idea because Nestle needs to focus on their duty as a large corporation and to do what is right for the people and the environment. To me, I think a mix of virtue and deontology fits your philosophy the best because together they both highlight that Nestle needs to do what is right and recognize that as a large corporation they are in the position to change the world and assist in working towards a better future.
ReplyDeleteEmily's Comment ^^^
DeleteYes, I agree with you about the power of big companies to change the world and help work towards a better future. This is why I think virtual and deontological will be one of the ways companies can solve problems. In the same way, I also think that Nestlé, as a large multinational company, not only gradually changes their image, but also should sets a good example for other companies.
DeleteSisi
I like your virtue ethical framework. The company executives should change their minds at the root to realize that either for the company or the community, it is not a sustainable way to just focus on profit if they want long-term development. Change their goal from just for profit and considers social responsibility. Not just show their commitment by the words, but do the action.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that focusing on profit is an unsustainable way. I think that when a company displays a bad moral image in front of the public for a long time, it is not good for the company's long-term development. More importantly, for environmental and social responsibility, Nestlé should be responsible for the resources they use and the pollution they cause in these large-scale manufacturing.
DeleteSisi Sun
I agree with your deontological view on how companies should act on social obligations because Nestle is a company with so much money and influence that their actions could definitely impact the environment. It is beneficial for the environment and the company if they invest in sustainability because the world replenishes its resources while Nestle loses money in the short term but gains a lot of profit in the future due to being seen as a green and ethical company.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about Nestlé's actions affecting the environment. The reason is that Nestlé's industries are not just bottled water industries, but also other daily necessities, food and other industries. From Nestlé's bottled water company, BlueTriton, it's true that correcting unethical behavior will result in a loss. However, these losses will be good for the environment and the company's reputation.
DeleteSisi Sun
I agree with your analysis of the framework. Nestle needs to change and grow in the long run, based on Nestle's current position in society. And Nestle needs to return to their original vision and focus on their responsibilities and obligations, such as using water wisely, protecting the environment and resources, and being an ethical company as they promised to the public.
ReplyDeleteSally
Yes, in the long run, the products Nestlé currently has and its position in the industry are very broad. It also means that its managers need to take more perspectives and take longer to change the company culture. Such social responsibility can gradually be reflected in front of the public and change the company's image.
DeleteSisi Sun