Estee Lauder Ethics

Estée Lauder Companies

Introduction

Rendtorff (2012) defines business ethics as the theory and practice of the responsibility, ethics and legitimacy of companies in a globalised society. In relation, the business ethics behind a company will create a company ‘image’ to many consumers, therefore the importance of using positive business ethics practices within a company is high. Companies must take into consideration different cultures, ideologies and traditions of certain consumers when thinking about ethical practices they decided to adopt.

Goel and Ramanathan (2014) explain that Business ethics covers various areas such as moral principles, codes of conducts and decision making. Companies should use these factors with the intention to create a positive and motivational company image for stakeholders and consumers.

The following text will critically analyse the Business ethics, CSR approaches and their engagement with sustainability practices in the Estée Lauder Companies, discussing factors they excel in, areas they have potentially failed to meet and the implications this has.

About Estée Lauder

Founded in 1946, Estée Lauder Companies is a manufacturer and marketer of cosmetics including make-up, hair products and skin products. The company owns a range of brands from beauty and skincare to fashion such as Amaris, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Mac Cosmetics and Michael Kors. Estée Lauder as a brand sells mid to high range price products; for a 30ml foundation from the Estée Lauder ecommerce website costs £30.

Business ethics conducted by the company

Sternberg (2000) describes business ethics as the application of ethical reasoning to specifically business situations and activities, so that moral issues arise in business can be resolved or at least clarified. There is ethical expectations for businesses to adhere to from the perspective of consumers and what is acceptable in a particular society. As discussed by Kacetl (2013), Business Ethics...