Ethics

As David Baack stated, “Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of thought that addresses questions about morality and deals with concepts such as right and wrong, virtue and vice, and justice and crime” (Understanding Ethics, para. 1). Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Apple Inc., has taken a step to improve the environment of the manufacturing operations of their products. By joining the Fair Labor Association, helps demonstrate the importance of improving the factory working conditions.

Mr. Cook took over Apple when Steve Jobs passed. As CEO, Mr. Cook took a tour of one of the factories where Apple products are manufactured. Mr. Cook found that the plants ran by Foxconn, the employees were working long hours, and the working conditions were dangerous. This could be examples of unethical practices. According to Wingfield (2012), “Mr. Cook’s appearance at a facility where Apple devices are made was an illustration of how differently Apple’s new chief relates to an issue that first surfaced under his predecessor, Steven P. Jobs” (Apple’s Chief Puts Stamp on Labor Issues, p. 1). As Baack stated, “When decisions are made based on what is the greatest good for the greatest number of people, utilitarian principle may be the guiding force” (8.1). Apple’s practice of having their products made oversees, is an example of utilitarian. By having their products made oversees, they are able to lower the selling cost to their customers and Apple to make a higher profit. Baack continues to add, “The utilitarianism perspective, however, often overlooks the rights or needs of the minority (8.1). Mr. Cook has started to enforce Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct. The Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which is found on their website, www.apple.com, which states the areas that the factories must follow. These areas include Code of Conduct, Labor & Human Rights, Health & Safety, Environmental Impact, and Ethics. Wingfield (2012) goes on to say...