Do you believe that businesses have a social/ethical responsibility?

Dopameme · January 06, 2015, 05:54:24 PM

This question was brought up by my Business professor in class today, and it got me thinking. I believe that businesses definitely have a social responsibility since they exist to fulfill the needs of people, as well as provide jobs.

More Than Mortal · January 06, 2015, 05:56:12 PM

They exist to provide goods consumers want for as cheap as can possibly be bought.

That's it.

That's the only social responsibility they have, and it's the only reason they've existed for this long. They shouldn't have to contribute to charity, and they shouldn't have to pay taxed.

Anonymous (User Deleted) · January 06, 2015, 06:09:12 PM

They don't, but they should.

There's no reason why Sony shouldn't be legally obligated to make a basic effort to protect their customers' and employees' information. They've done a piss poor job of it so far.

Sprungli · January 06, 2015, 06:18:28 PM

The only responsibilities a company should have should be to it's board/investors/etc..., it's customers and it's workers

Lemy the Lizerd · January 06, 2015, 06:29:44 PM

Dopameme · January 06, 2015, 07:24:18 PM

Quote from: Lemy the Lizerd on January 06, 2015, 06:29:44 PM

No.

No?

Mordo · January 06, 2015, 07:24:31 PM

No.

But if consumer choices demand that they follow some sort of ethical code when conducting business then the free market dictates that they adhere to those requirements.

Dopameme · January 06, 2015, 07:38:40 PM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on January 06, 2015, 05:56:12 PM

They exist to provide goods consumers want for as cheap as can possibly be bought.

That's it.

That's the only social responsibility they have, and it's the only reason they've existed for this long. They shouldn't have to contribute to charity, and they shouldn't have to pay taxed.

So you believe they exist solely for the objective of profits?

More Than Mortal · January 06, 2015, 07:43:03 PM

Quote from: Officer Nasty on January 06, 2015, 07:38:40 PM

So you believe they exist solely for the objective of profits?

Well that is the entire point of capitalism.

Dustin · January 06, 2015, 07:46:00 PM

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Dopameme · January 06, 2015, 07:47:44 PM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on January 06, 2015, 07:43:03 PM

Quote from: Officer Nasty on January 06, 2015, 07:38:40 PM
So you believe they exist solely for the objective of profits?
Well that is the entire point of capitalism.

But they also provide jobs for people, which are necessary for any modern society to live.

Nick McIntyre · January 06, 2015, 08:12:35 PM

Quote from: Dustin xLilD on January 06, 2015, 07:46:00 PM

Businesses aren't people so no.

Fuck yes, I've been waiting for my "The Supreme Court disagrees with you" argument!

Quote from: Officer Nasty on January 06, 2015, 07:47:44 PM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on January 06, 2015, 07:43:03 PM
Quote from: Officer Nasty on January 06, 2015, 07:38:40 PM
So you believe they exist solely for the objective of profits?
Well that is the entire point of capitalism.
But they also provide jobs for people, which are necessary for any modern society to live.

Well if Mr. P wants his cyborg army to replace the meat bag workforce, we may not have those kinds of jobs anymore.

Inb4gettechnicianjobs

More Than Mortal · January 06, 2015, 08:12:53 PM

Quote from: Officer Nasty on January 06, 2015, 07:47:44 PM

But they also provide jobs for people, which are necessary for any modern society to live.

Not true. Consumption is the key focus of any economy; not income.

Companies only have an obligation to provide jobs insofar as it improves the capacity for consumption with an economy.