Ethical Issue

This issue involves whether companies should have the right to track employees’ company smartphones and monitor their personal social networking sites. Employers argue that companies should be allowed to track and monitor employees since there are no laws preventing it, the phones and Internet access are provided by the company, and it may prevent employee misconduct on company time. On the other hand, the employees argue that employees have the right to privacy and that companies may continue tracking and monitoring employees’ activities outside the workplace. Write your opinion after reading both the arguments – (100-150 words)

Case Discussion

Preet lands a prestigious job in the production department at Nike, a seller of high-quality products. Preet works with a team overseeing Nike’s Srilanka operation’s , ensuring smooth shipments. Preet visits one of the factories in Srilanka, evaluating their practices and finds many unsuitable working conditions for workers and even use of child labour. However, when Preet writes up her report, the logistics department managers do nothing. Her team discusses their options and one member justifies the actions of the Srilankan factory using cultural relativism. The team member explains that long work days, bad working conditions and use of child labor are the norm in Srilanka and the workers should be content getting the higher wages Nike pays. Making major changes would make the company less competitive, as it will increase it’s costs Preet is sure consumers would be willing to pay a bit higher prices if it means Srilanka workers have improved working conditions.

Discuss the company’s options. Should the company acknowledge the worker’s conditions and work with the factory to clean up its operations? Or not. Support your answers with reasons.