In the business world, we must separate our own morals from legality ethics because whether we believe we are taking action to help save jobs or businesses, it is necessary to respect our business law of ethics. Ethics should be considered in every choice we make, especially those concerning business and legal decisions. Although, an action is technically considered a legal one, that doesn’t exactly mean that it is ethical. Also, the other way around, just because an action is illegal, is it morally or ethically right because it is helping those in need or because it seems acceptable in the world today.
In 2012, a Chinese electronics manufacturing company, who is responsible for producing components and parts for Apple, was revealed to be employing underage workers after an internal audit was done against them. This act was in direct violation of child labor laws, but seemingly enough many U.S. companies continue to use products from Chinese companies that hire underage workers to produce their products. Even though it is against the law, many justify this action by believing it is ethical because it provides jobs to people in need and that the children want to work and are doing so to help their poor families in need. Also, this helps Apple because it provides them with very cheap labor, so it is a beneficial to not only the workers but the company itself. The media bashes these companies by putting them on the news and writing articles explaining the accidents and mistakes that happen often because children are not capable of manufacturing products correctly. Although ethically child labor is frowned upon, many companies continue to invest in these companies and turn their back on America’s laws of business. (Apple) Business ethics began in the 1960’s in the beginning of the “Social Responsibility” movement. The movement itself stimulated the public interest