Business Studies

For this assignment, you will discuss how Christian principles can be applied to an operations management dilemma:

First, begin by selecting one of the ethical dilemmas below from the text:

Managing Quality (Chapter 6)
Process Strategy (Chapter 7)
Layout Strategy (Chapter 9)
Supply Chain Management (Chapter 11)
Inventory Management (Chapter 12)
In a minimum of 1,500 words, discuss the following:

Briefly summarize the issue. Note that only a small portion of your paper’s content should be devoted to summarizing the issue.
Respond to the question(s) shown within your selected ethical dilemma (i.e., within the gold box). Please do not respond to the end-of-chapter Discussion Questions.
How can your selected dilemma be addressed from a Christian worldview? In other words, what guidance from a biblical perspective could be applied to understand and possibly resolve the dilemma? The following GCU website may be helpful: https://www.gcu.edu/about-gcu/christian-identity-and-heritage.php
In addition to addressing questions for item 3 above, you may also optionally frame the issue using ethical theories (utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, distributive justice, virtue ethics, and covenantal ethics). Note, however, that the questions in item 3 must still be addressed.
Your paper should have at least six external references (in additional to any biblical citations) to help frame the issue. Cite your references within the body of your paper. No Wikipedia references are allowed.
Submit your file in a Microsoft Word document. Ensure that your last name is in your file name.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

ANSWER

Supply Chain Management Ethical Dilemma Case

Introduction

Ethical dilemmas are a common encounter in the global business and trading environment. Firms are often faced with situations that attract a clash of interests. While a company needs to fulfil its corporate obligations, it is exposed to societal issues that call for its intervention. These circumstances affect viable decision-making processes and could pose a significant threat to a business. Supply chain processes create such conflicts calling for firms to adopt strategic actions that provide an advantage in the market. Integrating approaches that further builds a firm’s image in the global sphere is the most appropriate way of handling ethical dilemmas.

Summary of the Ethical Issue

The case highlights an issue of adherence to organizational sourcing policies. Companies have clear sourcing guidelines that they expect to be followed to the latter. These policy frameworks are the foundation behind a firm’s growth as they dictate the culture. In this case, the firm at hand has strict international sourcing policies that the manufacturer threatens. The retail chain business dealing with the production of apparel products make use of child labor. It depends on young people as the source of labor. The central aim is to provide them with the opportunity to better their lives. The company’s plant manager argues that society disregards girl child education, and the best they can do to advance their lives is to offer them a chance to earn an income. Shutting down would mean exposing them to prostitution, theft, and begging. However, the case raises the issue of unethical and immoral actions. Child labor is considered morally and ethically unacceptable. It prevents children’s effective physical, intellectual, and emotional development (Radfar et al., 2018). It denies them the opportunity to achieve these vital milestones. The dilemma, in this case is to continue or terminate the sourcing contract with the manufacturer. If the company continues souring from the manufacturer, there is a likelihood that they might face negative perception from their consumers, brand collaborators, and the media. On the other hand, if it stops sourcing, this might generate risks for the young girls who stand to lose income and move to the streets.

Responding to the Ethical Dilemma

The business has a responsibility to clear the air regarding the claim brought forth by the media. It could taint its brand name and image. It is important to communicate with the company, the movie star, the media, and the protestors picketing the stores. First of all, engaging with the company stakeholders is vital to ensure they understand the situation. The owner should inform the company about their lack of awareness about the retailer’s use of child labor in the production process. Reiterating that the firm holds onto its global sourcing policy is an approach that will help the owner to create trust and confidence in his team. As for the movie star, it is essential to issue an apology for the tainted image. The movie star is concerned about his image due to the investigative news report linking the clothes he markets with child labor production. Handling the media and the protestors’ calls for an official statement. A press conference is essential to address the issues presented in the media. As Olariu and Nichifor (2015) state, a press conference is a vital public relations tool. It provides a firm with the opportunity to address major concern issues, especially those that could damage its reputation. In this case, the company should highlight that it upholds its international sourcing policy. It is unfortunate to learn that the manufacturer utilizes child labor for its apparel business. Overall, liaising with all these parties should revolve around offering an apology. This can help the business retain trust and respect in the public domain.

The issue revolving around shut down, and sourcing for materials elsewhere is a major dilemma. However, the company has a reputation and culture to protect. It should shut down and try getting apparel products elsewhere. Its international sourcing policies are clear and call for strict adherence. Child labor is an aspect that is highlighted in its policy, and the firm is against this practice. Thus, continued sourcing of materials from the manufactures goes against their policies. Irrespective of the circumstance and conditions, businesses must always adhere to their policy frameworks. Thus, shutting down sourcing operations from this manufacturer and trying materials somewhere is a quality move that retains its brand name and image among its consumers and other key stakeholders. Protecting and adhering to its policies will create a reputable image in the public domain. It exists as one of the ways of avoiding impropriety. As Heizer, Render and Munson (2013) state, avoiding conflict of interests is an ideal way of making ethical supply chain decisions. Businesses ensure that they abide by their organizational policy and plan frameworks to meet the set goals and objectives. Notably, this aids in boosting user confidence.

Addressing the Ethical Dilemma from a Christian Worldview

Faith and work integration is one of the major biblical concepts that can address the ethical dilemma. Faith and work correlate in the sense that humankind is expected to engage in actions and behaviors that boost life. They gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. This exposes them to prevailing societal issues and how, as God’s people, they can use spiritual guidance to solve these problems. Christians undertake initiatives and actions that honor God and contribute to societal advancement. They should remain committed to helping people change their lives. Christians are called to advance human life by not conforming to the world. As the Bible says in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable, and perfect.” This biblical statement educates Christians to avoid being blinded by the right approaches as understood by people when they are wrong. In this ethical case, children are used for labor purposes. The company relies on this form of labor to enable these girls to earn income and boost their lives. This is due to the neglect they experience at the family level as they are denied access to education. However, the manufacturing company has taken the initiative to advance their lives. While many people would portray this an immoral and unethical, the Christian worldview deems this is an incentive to change people’s lives. Thus, the integration of faith and work supports societal advancement. The other key perspective is humanity.

Humanity exists as an essential perspective in handling ethical dilemmas. It ensures that Christians use rational thinking when making decisions. Human life is valuable, and Christians must always adopt actions that protect and safeguard lives. Humanity allows an individual to preserve dignity. Vorster (2012) reveals that a human person’s most basic property is the right to dignity. It is the basic unity of humankind because it incorporates respect and concern for other people. In the ethical case, young girls are denied the opportunity to learn, and the company has incorporated them into their workforce. Their primary aim is to ensure they can access an income to sustain their livelihoods rather than on the streets and engaging in evil deeds. The firm has integrated the humanity concept to ensure that children’s lives and welfare are protected in a harsh social setting that disregards their needs and concerns. The Bible supports children’s growth and development. In Proverbs 22:6, the Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it”. Society should offer support for children to ensure that they grow in the right way. Offering children the opportunity to work is vital to exposing them to a better future rather than allowing them to roam in the streets, stealing and causing havoc. Humanity is being concerned about the needs and welfare of all persons irrespective of the conditions and circumstances.

Application of Ethical Theories

Utilitarianism

A utilitarianism concept is an essential approach in addressing the ethical dilemma presented in the case study. This perspective is primarily interested in the outcome associated with an action. It views ‘highest good’ as the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people (Misselbrook, 2015). An action is thus deemed right or wrong depending on the associated consequences. The moral sentiment of justice is associated with vital personal concerns (Riley, 2010). Justice occurs when there is an ultimate maximization of each person’s needs and interests. Utilitarianism thus considers an approach to be right or wrong depending on its impact on a targeted population. The case at hand involves the utilization of children and especially girls, as a critical factor in the production process. These girls are denied the chance to pursue their studies due to social and cultural factors. The apparel manufacturer has decided to change their lives. The impact associated with this is improved living standards and a safe and secure social environment. If these girls work, they can earn income that helps to meet their needs. Notably, it forms a safe environment because of reduced theft, prostitution, and begging. Overall, the decision to offer them employment opportunities has a common good for all.

Conclusion

The ethical dilemma highlights conflicts that businesses encounter in their decision-making processes. The need to fulfil business objectives and create social change is common in the global business setting. The supply management case study highlights a clash between a need to safeguard organizational policies and boosting change at the community level. The business’s policy disregards sourcing from the manufacturer who relies on child labor. At the same time, there is a need to protect young girls who are denied access to education. Exposing them to employment opportunities is one of the viable ways of offering protection in the region. However, businesses have an image to preserve. Consumers are interested in companies that adhere to their corporate policies. Thus, the company should shift to another retailer whose processes aligns with its sourcing policy. This helps in creating confidence and trust among their consumers.

References

Heizer, J., Render, B. & Munson. C. (2013). Operations Management: Sustainability and supply chain management. Pearson Higher Ed.

Misselbrook, D. (2015). Virtue ethics–an old answer to a new dilemma? Part 1. Problems with contemporary medical ethics. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 108(2), 53-56.

Olariu, I., & Nichifor, B. (2015). A Conceptual Approach on Press Conference. Studies and Scientific Researches. Economics Edition, (21).

Radfar, A., Asgharzadeh, S. A. A., Quesada, F., & Filip, I. (2018). Challenges and perspectives of child labor. Industrial psychiatry journal, 27(1), 17.

Riley, J. (2010). Mill’s extraordinary utilitarian moral theory. Politics, Philosophy & Economics, 9(1), 67-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470594X09351952

Vorster, N. (2012). A theological perspective on human dignity, equality and freedom. Verbum et Ecclesia, 33(1), 1-6.