Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

Business Ethics - Essay Example This is geared toward embracing the responsibility of the firm to other issues which could affect the society (Mallin, 2009:16). For example, some firms are engaged in activities which highlight the need for an environment that is free from pollution. The society will take this as an initiative that is created by the corporate to make the world a better place for humanity. There are a number of key elements that are used as approaches to corporate social responsibility. Firms have the right to select a number of these approaches to arrive at a habitable world. These are strategies that are used to attract potential clients that will engage the firm in other businesses. However, some firms that are financially endowed take part in all the approaches of social responsibility. This heightens their supremacy in the market as many people notice their commitment to social welfare (Kotler and Lee, 2011:9). The first approach to social responsibility is the accommodative approach. This appro ach focuses on a number of activities that tend to accommodate everyone in the society. These are collective activities that are geared toward supporting the whole society. Such activities involve shareholders, the community and other neighbouring and relevant entities. Many organisations come up with long-term ventures that are geared towards supporting the community and other entities that are connected to the firm. In this strategy, the firm has to go to huge lengths in ensuring the society and other entities accrue the advantages of such ventures. As earlier mentioned, some firms are geared towards reducing the amount of pollution in the world. As such they have to part with their resources to sponsor all the activities that reduce pollution of a certain kind (Bacher, 2007:13). A succinct example is when the firm pays some of the activities that are indulged in reducing pollution. Some of the activities need some amounts of cash and will need financial assistance. Some firms tak e the responsibility of running such activities at their expense (Mallin, 2009:12). Though they may spend substantial cash, their interests are well fulfilled in the long run. Similarly, when the firms engage in these activities, it is positivity to the stakeholders. Some stakeholders are liable for some of these activities and taking it as their social responsibility lessens their work. For example, some firms pollute the environment and have to make sure they clean such a mess. In taking social responsibility in such activities, the firm fulfils its responsibility by cleaning the environment. The second approach to social responsibility is where managers have to engage in social activities, which is geared towards promotion of other people’s interest. Managers have their ostensible tasks and they should stick to these tasks. However, at some point, the managers tend to accept commitment to social responsibility and perform these tasks. Some of these tasks are demanding and will require a proactive manager. The manager in charge has to ensure all the activities are fully executed and with their corporation. For example, some managers take part in charity activities. Since they are the flag bearers, they have to show their presence in such activities (Kotler and Lee, 2011:17). This creates a scenario where managers have attracted a larger audience to participate in these activities. When the managers are present, it is almost certain that the

Euthanasia Essay Introduction Essay Example for Free

Euthanasia Essay Introduction Essay Introduction According to the American Cancer Society (2015), it is estimated that there were 589,430 cancer deaths among men and women. Everybody has the right to autonomy and the autonomy factor of the individual plays a vital role when euthanasia is chosen to be used. It can be a very difficult time for the patient’s family and friends but it is the patient who is deeply suffering from the situation. Euthanasia is not a practice that is legal across America; instead it is only legal in 5 states which include Washington, Oregon, Montana, Vermont and New Mexico. When understanding the use of euthanasia, it is very important to recognize the patients’ perspective. A physician must understand exactly what the mindset of the patient and their family before they proceed. This particular study researches and examines the autonomy aspect on the use of euthanasia from the patients’ perspective. It is also important to recognize that there are patients that are afraid of the legalization of euthanasia and the ones that decide to choose this option. Background Euthanasia is a practice used on patents to end their life in order to end the pain and suffering that is caused by cancer. Euthanasia has caused a lot of controversy over the years due to moral and religious reasons. However, there are patients all over the world that are suffering daily from the unbearable pain which is making them even consider the use of euthanasia. Some may argue that it is the autonomy of the patient should be the final ruling on whether or not euthanasia should be used. Others may say that although patient autonomy should be considered as an important factor on the use of euthanasia but it is viewed as a form of medical abuse. Over the years the aspect of patient autonomy has shifted dramatically in which it now strongly overpowers paternalism. In this particular study, the researchers felt that is was important to fully understand the viewpoint of the cancer patients and what they truly feel about the use of euthanasia. Every patient has their own perspectives of euthanasia and this research  aims to target the thoughts that revolve around the minds of these individuals. This can be a very complicated type of study because it is a very sensitive topic but the researchers feel that the in-depth interviews can reveal crucial information. There are many facts and information known about euthanasia but very little is actually noted by health professionals. Patients and Methods According to the researchers, there were a total of 66 informants that were interviewed for this study. It was also mentioned by the researchers that the study was â€Å"initiated in 1997, but due to one researcher’s own fatal disease, the project was postponed, but then restarted, with additional interviewing, in 2007† (Karlsson et al, 2011, p.35). The requirements were that patients had to be â€Å"over 18 years, suffering from cancer in a palliative phase†¦ no obvious disorientation and not currently suffering from a psychological crisis† (Karlsson et al, p.35). The patients were selected from five different units which consisted of various organizations and clinics. Each interview that was conducted was based on set topics that included matters based on the informants’ perspectives on euthanasia and its legalization in Sweden. It was also specified that each interview were examined in a qualitative manner and â€Å"tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim, ranging in size from 800 to 10,000 words† (Karlsson et al, p. 35). Results After conducting the interviews, researchers have come to a conclusion that there were many patients that had neutral opinions on the use of euthanasia. Furthermore, there were some patients who might actually consider euthanasia. Many also thought it was unnecessary to continue living with such harsh health conditions. With this study it was also realized that the perspectives on euthanasia were not particularly similar between the terminally ill patients. It was a very interesting discovery because there were patients that had two totally different viewpoints. The issue of trust is a very important factor when trying to determine their thoughts on euthanasia. The relationship between the family, patient and the physician were also brought up by the patients. These patients have very different views on the value of trust where some have complete trust, trust with some  doubt, and absolutely no trust in the physicians and their family. Ethical considerations Before the actual research was conducted it was first approved by regional board of ethics. It was stated by the researchers that â€Å"The selected patients were provided with written information of the study by staff members, and if interested, they were approached by the researcher, receiving further information† (Karlsson et al., p. 35). It is important for health care officials to fully recognize the different perspectives and thoughts on euthanasia. Autonomy is a very large part of the decision and it is very important to consider their individual rights. Providing information to the patient and their family can always be helpful in their final decision. Because there are so many different viewpoints on euthanasia, it is very important for the health care providers to individually understand each patient’s needs. Conclusions This research can be critical to changing the personal thoughts of health care professionals. Although, this topic is a very complicated issue, this research tends to clarify many aspects of euthanasia. It was concluded that some patients wanted to make the final decision, others wanted guidance and help from the family, and some wanted the health care professionals to make the final decision. The trust factor plays a huge role in the use of euthanasia as these terminally ill patients may not always have right mindset to make a decision. Patient autonomy is considered to be more important nowadays in the field of health work as doctors and physicians have less influence on the decisions of the patients. Overall, with this study it shows the importance to recognize the various mindsets of these individuals. References American Cancer Society. (2015). Estimated Deaths for the Four Major Cancers by Sex and Age Group. Estimated Deaths for the Four Major Cancers by Sex and Age Group. Karlsson, M., Milberg, A., Strang, P. (2011). Dying cancer patients’ own opinions on euthanasia: An expression of autonomy? A qualitative study. Palliative Medicine. Vol. 26. Pgs 34-42.

AIDS and YOU :: Free AIDS Essays

AIDS is a life and death issue. To have the AIDS disease is at present a sentence of slow but inevitable death. I've already lost one friend to AIDS. I may soon lose others. My own sexual behavior and that of many of my friends has been profoundly altered by it. In my part of the country, one man in 10 may already be carrying the AIDS virus. While the figures may currently be less in much of the rest of the country, this is changing rapidly. There currently is neither a cure, nor even an effective treatment, and no vaccine either. But there are things that have been PROVEN immensely effective in slowing the spread of this hideously lethal disease. In this essay I hope to present this information. History and Overview: AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Defficiency Disease. It is caused by a virus. The disease originated somewhere in Africa about 20 years ago. There it first appeared as a mysterious ailment afflicting primarily heterosexuals of both sexes. It probably was spread especially fast by primarily female prostitutes there. AIDS has already become a crisis of STAGGERING proportions in parts of Africa. In Zaire, it is estimated that over twenty percent of the adults currently carry the virus. That figure is increasing. And what occurred there will, if no cure is found, most likely occur here among heterosexual folks. AIDS was first seen as a disease of gay males in this country. This was a result of the fact that gay males in this culture in the days before AIDS had an average of 200 to 400 new sexual contacts per year. This figure was much higher than common practice among heterosexual (straight) men or women. In addition, it turned out that rectal sex was a particularly effective way to transmit the disease, and rectal sex is a common practice among gay males. For these reasons, the disease spread in the gay male population of this country immensely more quickly than in other populations. It became to be thought of as a "gay disease". Because the disease is spread primarily by exposure of ones blood to infected blood or semen, I.V. drug addicts who shared needles also soon were identified as an affected group. As the AIDS epidemic began to affect increasingly large fractions of those two populations (gay males and IV drug abusers), many of the rest of this society looked on smugly, for both populations tended to be despised by the "mainstream" of society here. But AIDS is also spread by heterosexual sex. In addition, it is spread by blood transfusions. AIDS and YOU :: Free AIDS Essays AIDS is a life and death issue. To have the AIDS disease is at present a sentence of slow but inevitable death. I've already lost one friend to AIDS. I may soon lose others. My own sexual behavior and that of many of my friends has been profoundly altered by it. In my part of the country, one man in 10 may already be carrying the AIDS virus. While the figures may currently be less in much of the rest of the country, this is changing rapidly. There currently is neither a cure, nor even an effective treatment, and no vaccine either. But there are things that have been PROVEN immensely effective in slowing the spread of this hideously lethal disease. In this essay I hope to present this information. History and Overview: AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Defficiency Disease. It is caused by a virus. The disease originated somewhere in Africa about 20 years ago. There it first appeared as a mysterious ailment afflicting primarily heterosexuals of both sexes. It probably was spread especially fast by primarily female prostitutes there. AIDS has already become a crisis of STAGGERING proportions in parts of Africa. In Zaire, it is estimated that over twenty percent of the adults currently carry the virus. That figure is increasing. And what occurred there will, if no cure is found, most likely occur here among heterosexual folks. AIDS was first seen as a disease of gay males in this country. This was a result of the fact that gay males in this culture in the days before AIDS had an average of 200 to 400 new sexual contacts per year. This figure was much higher than common practice among heterosexual (straight) men or women. In addition, it turned out that rectal sex was a particularly effective way to transmit the disease, and rectal sex is a common practice among gay males. For these reasons, the disease spread in the gay male population of this country immensely more quickly than in other populations. It became to be thought of as a "gay disease". Because the disease is spread primarily by exposure of ones blood to infected blood or semen, I.V. drug addicts who shared needles also soon were identified as an affected group. As the AIDS epidemic began to affect increasingly large fractions of those two populations (gay males and IV drug abusers), many of the rest of this society looked on smugly, for both populations tended to be despised by the "mainstream" of society here. But AIDS is also spread by heterosexual sex. In addition, it is spread by blood transfusions.

Reality TV and the Effects on Youth

Reality television has come to dominate the television industry. There are educational reality shows and noneducational reality shows. They both have their entertainment values. The difference? One is productive television, and one is counterproductive. There is good and bad in everything, and everything is good in moderation, but counterproductive TV is taking over productive TV. The time slots to watch educational reality shows are generally later in the evening. It is almost as if TV is trying to â€Å"dumb down† America. Non-educational Reality Television â€Å"Noneducational† reality TV includes shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Teen Pregnancy, and My Sweet Sixteen. These prime time shows target youth, but they do not teach lessons. In fact, they do the opposite, since many young people think it okay to emulate these reality show stars. All these shows are scripted. For instance, Jersey Shore is actually filmed on a set 80% of the time. Yet these shows are passed off as reality. These shows promote drinking and heavy sexual content. Nonetheless they air in the time slot that targets youth. Kids seem to be growing up faster than just 20 years ago; perhaps disrespect and aggression can be blamed on the influence of the shows they are watching. Instead of fighting and being rude to each other, it would be nice if the characters in these shows could, for example, reflect how ten ordinary people come into a house and work together to make the quality of life better for everyone. They could show the reality of working together to pay the bills and keep food on the table. They could teach how to step in when something bad happens to someone else and help them get back on their feet in one way or another. Instead they have gone in the direction of survival of the fittest. Is this really the image that should be shown and taught to our future leaders? If where America has been heading in the past 20 years, it is apparent that survival of the fittest is not working. Perhaps if prime time television were to promote working together, it might help ensure a productive future. Educational Reality Television Reality TV does have positive things to offer. Some educational reality shows are Dirty Jobs, Cake Boss, and Do You know Who You Are. These types of shows depict the reality of America. They show what truly makes America run, and teach true morals and genuine respect towards others. True, these shows are scripted as well, but they are geared toward education and not violence, or the promotion of teen pregnancy, and spousal abuse. These shows do not promote alcohol abuse or speculate who is having sex with whom. However, these shows are targeted toward adults, as they are on at a later time slot, and much of our youth is not interested in watching real life. Prime Time Television Prime time television is aiming for ratings rather than the promotion of morals. But I think they could produce productive TV and get better ratings. Viewers must take some responsibility, though, since we can control what our kids watch. If most people ban shows that deliver negative messages from our homes, ratings will plummet and I would imagine TV executives would completely restructure their programming very quickly.

Module a

Whilst texts may be fictitious constructs of composers’ imaginations, they also explore and address the societal issues and paradigms of their eras. This is clearly the case with Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein (1818), which draws upon the rise of Galvanism and the Romantic Movement of the 1800’s, as well as Ridley Scott’s film Blade Runner (1992), reflecting upon the increasing computing industry and the predominance of capitalism within the late 20th Century. Hence, an analysis of both in light of their differing contexts reveal how Shelley and Scott ultimately warn us of the dire consequences of our desire for omnipotence and unrestrained scientific progress, concepts which link the two texts throughout time. Composed in a time of major scientific developments, including Galvani’s concept of electricity as a reanimating force, Shelley’s Frankenstein utilises the creative arrogance of the Romantic imagination to fashion a Gothic world in which the protagonist’s usurpation of the divine privilege of creation has derailed the conventional lines of authority and responsibility. Her warning of the dangers of such actions is encapsulated within Victor’s retrospective words of â€Å"how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge†, whilst Shelley’s use of a fragmented epistolatory narrative adds a disturbing sense of truth, foreshadowing the dark consequences of Frankenstein’s actions. Moreover, her allusions to John Milton’s Paradise Lost evoke the poetic retelling of Satan’s fall from grace, wherein the daemon’s association with â€Å"the fallen angel† exacerbates the effects of Victor’s rejection, ultimately transforming its â€Å"benevolent nature† into a thirst for retribution. Together with its questioning of how Victor could â€Å"sport with life†, Shelley’s warning reverberates past the page, directly questioning the scientists of her era, including evolutionary theorist Erasmus Darwin, to reinforce the dangers of our humanity’s inherent yearning to play the role of the Creator. Such a warning also exists within Scott’s Blade Runner, hence linking the two texts throughout time, where the director echoes the rise of capitalist ideals and the Wall Street mantra, â€Å"greed is good†, through the symbolic dominance of Tyrell’s towering ziggurat, a reflection of both his desire for omnipotence and commercial power. Tyrell’s egocentric nature is epitomised within the religious connotations of his abode, including his voluminous bed, modeled after that of Pope John Paul II, as well as his reference to Batty as â€Å"the prodigal son†. Such symbols are unnervingly subverted through both the foreboding Chiarscuro of flickering candle-light with shadow and his violent death at the hands of his own creation. Scott’s warning of the dangers of such a desire is also evident within the expansive shots of 2019 LA, revealing a dark and tenebrous world lit by the glow of corporate advertisements, a representation of a bleak future dominated by commercial dominance. Hence, by drawing upon elements of his context, including the growth of capitalism and the ‘trickle-down theory’ of Reagan’s era, Scott positions us to reassess the consequences of overstepping our boundaries. In addition, both texts’ warnings also encompass the dangers of unrestrained scientific progress, where Frankenstein further demonstrates the Romantic Movement’s influence on Shelley’s mindset, as her criticisms of the Age of Reason and Industrial Revolution reflect their denigration of rationality. The imagery of the â€Å"dead corpse† and repetitious use of â€Å"horror† upon the creation of the â€Å"miserable monster† establish a strong aura of death and despair around this scientific advancement, whilst Victor’s warning of Walton to â€Å"avoid ambitions of science and discoveries† encapsulates Shelley’s vilification of contributors to the Industrial Revolution, including renowned inventor James Watt. Moreover, Shelley stresses her warning through the protagonists’ connections with nature, where Victor’s â€Å"insensibility to its charms†, arising from his immersion in science, results in his â€Å"deep, dark and deathlike solitude†, with the heavy alliteration exemplifying his degraded sense of humanity. Conversely, the monster possesses greater â€Å"benevolence† and a more intimate connection with â€Å"the pleasant showers and genial warmth of spring†, with such characterisation capturing Shelley’s reflection of Romanticism’s idolisation of nature, cautioning us against the dehumanising effect of unrestrained scientific advancement. Blade Runner is no different, with Scott’s reflection of the explosion of technological progress during the 1980’s, including the rise of computing giants IBM and Microsoft, highlighting the dangers of such unrestrained progress. Most notable is the opening panoramic shot of blazing smokestacks which, together with the haunting synthetic pulses of the Vangelis soundtrack, establishes a festering miasma of technological overload, adding further semiotic weight to the film’s nightmarish dystopian agenda. Indeed, this portrayal of a decaying environment reflects the growing ecological awareness of the 1980’s, which, whilst different to Shelley’s Romantic values, is similarly employed to highlight the destruction of mankind due to technology. Moreover, Scott illuminates us to the dehumanising effects of such progress, foregrounded through Deckard’s â€Å"retiring† of the Replicant Zhora. Here, the stylistic placement of the transparent poncho places further emphasises the violence of her death, with slow-motion low angle shot conveying her heightened sense of humanity within her last painful moments. In contrast, Deckard’s emotionless features, together with the monotonous drone of the droid, suggests that our artificial creations will ultimately lead to the dehumanising of mankind, undermining our humanist framework and hence, warns us of the dire consequences of unchecked scientific progress. Thus, we can see how both Shelley and Scott reflect their zeitgeists in their texts, Frankenstein and Blade Runner, as they draw upon the societal concerns of their times in order to warn us of the consequences of overstepping our boundaries and unbridled technological advancement. Subsequently, it becomes evident that despite their temporal and contextual differences, both texts are in fact linked through their common concerns and concepts.