Introduction
Nowadays, many Western businesses locate their production plants abroad, which helps both domestic customers and employees by giving them a chance to make a livelihood. The economies of the nations with the lowest labor costs are typically seen as being in the formative stages, indicating that they lack some of the institutions established in the West. Therefore, Western businesses have a moral duty to advance ideas like a minimum wage and employee rights in countries where they are not seen as essential. Many contend that the adoption of such ideas in developing nations will increase the cost of production. However, businesses may establish a dependable balance between earnings and employee well-being by carefully analyzing each circumstance and then coming up with appropriate ways to apply Western labor standards. Thus, by adopting ethical methods, Western businesses may enhance the productivity of their workforce, do away with hazardous working environments, and draw in new customers who will support their actions.
Discussion
All businesses globally must adhere to specific norms of conduct because of the present economic and political context, and ethics has emerged as one of their main concerns. Large companies are expected to have a mission statement that outlines their commitment to enhancing employee happiness in the nations where their facilities are located (Byars & Stanberry, 2018). Only by following the tried-and-true procedures, such as advancing worker rights, enacting a basic wage, and forming labor unions, can this objective be achieved (11 facts about sweatshops, n.d.). Because they directly impact the well-being of their employees, Western businesses would be best served by advocating and even campaigning for them. People confident in their future and know they cannot be quickly dismissed or denied pay can produce better work and work more effectively. Additionally, it will lower high turnover rates among employees and aid businesses in keeping their most productive employees. Thus, publicly promoting labor rights in emerging nations can benefit corporations and workers.
Additionally, Western businesses must model ethical behavior at all phases of creating their products and services while upholding the rights of their employees. It must be specified in specific provisions when working with foreign contractors that these businesses must adhere to particular standards for workers’ rights in the West. Some may view such restrictions as an example of capitalist imperialism and a disrespect for other people’s norms, traditions, and cultures (Byars & Stanberry, 2018). These assertions are legitimate when working conditions are suitable, but when workplace fatalities occur, like the suicides at Foxconn, Western businesses should respond right once. Despite the rarity of such heinous incidents, Western firms have a moral duty to insist that their contractors uphold the highest moral standards. After all, their need to make sure that the employees can work in a secure atmosphere gives them the authority to behave in this manner.
Consumers have the same moral obligation and must serve as judges. These rewarding companies uphold ethical standards by purchasing their goods and penalizing those that do not by rejecting their products and services. Customers need to pay special attention to how their preferred brands operate overseas, whether they respect ethical standards for working conditions, and whether they stay true to their vision. For instance, Nike has long-standing issues with factories in Honduras, where workers are required to carry their incomplete work home and put in a lot of overtime (St. Clair, 2018). Moreover, employees at a Nike sweatshop in Hansae, Vietnam, endured verbal abuse and salary theft in addition to working in temperatures considerably over the regulatory limit of 90 degrees for extended periods (Bain, 2017). Customers’ decisions to disassociate themselves from a business that cannot manage its contractors may be directly impacted by such circumstances, especially if the problem has been going on for a while.
Therefore, creating a consistent strategy for workplace conditions and employee safeguards is the morally correct course for all businesses. Adopting a set of fundamental labor laws that all its departments and contractors must abide by would help businesses guarantee that workers’ rights are upheld. Although this will unavoidably take more resources, the advantages of using such a strategy are far more considerable. Following the implementation of universal standards, the businesses will end the issue of appalling circumstances at their production facilities and establish themselves as a model of a socially and ethically responsible company. Additionally, it will aid in luring new customers, particularly those worried about the manufacturing process’s sustainability. Another crucial component is media attention. Newspapers and TV networks will run articles applauding the firm for adopting universal workplace norms and improving its brand’s perception.
Conclusion
Overall, companies that support moral behavior regarding overseas labor are in a strong position and stand to gain significantly from improving employee working conditions. Western businesses should support workers’ rights, a minimum salary, and unionization while doing business abroad since they are known to improve workers’ well-being and increase productivity. Businesses have to offer a secure working environment for their employees, which supports their ability to demand that their contractors follow Western procedures. Consumers must also be aware of Western businesses’ overseas business practices and be capable of avoiding those that fail to uphold fundamental labor norms. By adopting universal workplace standards, employers may improve their commitment to sustainable business operations and employee health.
References
11 facts about sweatshops. (n.d.). Do Something. Web.
Bain, M. (2017). Nike is facing a new wave of anti-sweatshop protests. Quartz. Web.
Byars, S., & Stanberry, K. (2018). Business Ethics. OpenStax.
St. Clair, J. (2018). Nike’s bad air. CounterPunch. Web.