Sherisse D.

Woodley
L. Brandt
Ethics in Business
May 20, 2014
Assignment 3
Ch.5 (p.259) "Questions" # 1, 3, 4
1. What advertisements and where do these appear (TV, Internet, print) do
you find unethical but legal? Explain.
One of the main advertisements the are unethical, but legal on TV, internet, and
print are ones that have to do with politics. Two others that can be considered
unethical are tobacco and alcohol advertising. Using the two can have major
health issues in an individual, but its also being advertised to underage
individuals who think its cool to smoke and drink because they want to be
popular.

2. Identify some problems associated with the free-market theory of corporate
responsibility (discusses in Chapter 4) of corporate social responsibility.
Most businesses are not on an equal footing with stakeholders and
consumers at large. Large firms spend sizable amounts on research
aimed at analyzing, creating, and some argue manipulating the demand of
certain targeted buyer and groups. Children and other vulnerable groups,
for example, are not aware of the effects of advertising on their buying
choices
Theres a thin line between deceit and artistic exaggeration in advertising.
The invisible hand is often nonexistent for many stakeholders and, in
particular, for consumer in need of protection against questionable, poorly
manufactured products that are released to market.

3. Where does the liability of a company end and the responsibility of
consumers begin for products? Explain your answer as you define this
question more specifically.
I think where it ends is if the product can harm the customer. If it means recalling
every single product to fix the issue the company should put aside their liability
and think of the consumer. Another example is cigarette companies denying their
products are liable for the cause of addiction. Instead of denying it they should
give customers a warning not just in fine print, but also in their advertisements.
Ch.5 (p.260) "Real Time Ethical Dilemma The Dark Side of Social Networking"
Questions # 1, 2
1. Has Brant Walker committed any crime in his online entrepreneurial
ventures? Explain.
No. Everyone has open to their own innovations and able to publicize them. For
example one person might view provocative sites such as pornography as a
illegal, but its not. Brent was basically offering the world a way to find out if
homeless people are really homeless, or giving people the chance to look
popular. The only thing that could be considered a crime is him using people
pictures on the Myspace account without permission, but if one puts a picture of
themselves out there, theyre running the risk of someone else using it. Though I
would never use FakeYourSpace.com, I would of found BumFinder.com and
RottenNeighbor.com as a useful site. Those two sites are the same as
RateYourProfessor.com. People want to know if theyre really helping a
homeless person or giving money to someone who has their Ferrari parked
around the corner or if theyre neighbors will be a problem.

2. How would you describe Walkers ethics as an online entrepreneur?
Even though two of his websites were good, it does show that he doesnt put
people feelings into consideration.
Ch.6 (p.319) "Questions" #3, 12
1. Do you believe leaders in large Fortune 500 companies follow and model
their stated visions, missions, and values in everyday business dealings?
Explain. Identify a Fortune 500 company and CEO in the news that
demonstrates ethical behavior. Is there any evidence that his or her
companys performance is related to ethical leadership behavior? Explain.
I believe they try their hardest to follow and model their stated visions, missions,
and values in everyday business dealing, because were only human and
sometimes one of them will get off course. What makes them a Fortune 500
company and leader is that they recognize when they get off track and
immediately get back on track and learn from their mistakes.

Valero Energy is listed as #9 on the Fortune 500 list. I didnt see anything about
ethical leadership, but in the case study on page 326 they listed under
sustainability highlights that they are secretly the leader in refinery safety. This
tells me that they care about their employees and customers to take the extra
money to make sure their refineries are safe.
2. Which is most effective for organizational stakeholders: internal self-
regulation or government regulation? Defend your points.
Internal self-regulation. Ethics programs, codes, ombudsperson, peer reviews,
and ethics officers programs are ways in which corporations can attempt to
regulate themselves.
Ch.6 (p.325-327) "Case 17 - Commitments to Sustainability in the Oil and Gas Industry"
Questions #1, 2, 3
1. Do you believe the argument that companies operating according to the
economic, social, and environmental components of the triple bottom line
will be in a much better position to build competitive advantage, generate
long-term wealth creation, and sustain profitability than companies that do
not? Explain your answer.
Yes, because each year companies and consumers are out searching for
companies who are economic, environmental, and social according to the TBL.

2. What have companies in the oil and gas industry embraced the
sustainability concept? What does this suggest about leadership within
these companies? What might it reveal about the culture of these
companies?
All the companies listed in the chart in the case study are companies who
embrace the sustainability concept. This suggests that leaders care about
bettering the world, and being eco-friendly and environmental. It reveals that they
care about the customer, the earth, and the people in it.

3. Based on the information provided in the chart, what insights do you gain
about oil and gas companies commitments to sustainability?
That theyre trying their best to be sustainable. They understand the importance
of being a sustainable company and are doing everything they can or finding
ways they can.