Do the Ends Justify the Means? Ethics and Integrity in Business

2018 has been a year of scandals and controversy, with technology mammoths such as Facebook and Google being scrutinized by the government for their use, or misuse, of users’ data and personal information. These allegedly unethical practices have been a part of the corporate world for a long time, however. Apple’s Steve Jobs is said to have used underage, poorly paid workers in his China factories to minimize costs, while belittling his subordinates through verbal and psychological abuse. Similarly, Indian business magnate Dhirubhai Ambani, is rumored to have been a champion of manipulation, using loopholes and bribes to climb his way to the top of the corporate world in the red tape and bureaucracy plaguing India during the eighties and nineties, although none of these allegations have been proved true. These companies, with their deep pockets and influence in the market, have crushed their competition, driving out smaller businesses and establishing monopolistic practices. There is no denying that the corporate world is plagued with unethical practices that undermine the integrity of the market.

However, the same companies that have practiced business unethically have also contributed to society in bucketloads. Apple has revolutionized consumer electronics and technology, may it be with the Apple II in 1977, or the gadgets such as the iPhone and MacBook continually being developed even today. Google has totally changed how we navigate the internet, and their outreach in new sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and autonomous vehicles is taking society ahead to a future previously unheard of. Additionally, these companies provide jobs for thousands of people across the world. Ambani’s Reliance has played a big role in the liberalization of the Indian economy, and has been a source of income for millions of Indians through the unwavering trust instituted within the share market. The contributions are countless; but there is also no limit to the potential for malpractice and immorality, whose effects can be visibly observed. The monopolies established by large corporations have cost the jobs of those working in many of the smaller businesses that fell prey to monopolization. These illegal practices have also violated the fundamentals of the free market, and suppressed the dreams of hundreds. When are these businesses crossing the line? When do their unethical practices outweigh their contributions to society? The choice is up to us; do we turn a blind eye, or do we speak up. We, as the consumers, have to make the decision, as ultimately, it is our say that makes, or breaks, the corporations’ success.