CASE STUDY TWO: ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN DORRINGTON $($PTY$)$ LTD$.$

BACKGROUND

Dorrington $($Pty$)$ Ltd$.,$ a leading multinational in the consumer electronics sector, faced significant ethical dilemmas in its operations that tested its commitment to ethical principles and corporate social responsibility. These dilemmas centred around two main issues: the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes and the working conditions in its supply chain.

THE DILEMMAS

Environmental Impact

Dorrington $($Pty$)$ Ltd$.$s manufacturing processes were highly energy$-$intensive and contributed significantly to the company$$s carbon footprint. The company had to decide whether to invest in expensive green technologies that would reduce its environmental impact, but also significantly increase operational costs.

Supply Chain Working Conditions

Investigations revealed that some suppliers in emerging markets were not adhering to the labour standards required by Dorrington $($Pty$)$ Ltd$.,$ involving long working hours and unsafe working conditions. The company needed to decide whether to continue business with these suppliers, which would keep costs low and maintain competitive prices, or enforce stricter standards, potentially increasing production costs and consumer prices.

QUESTION $6[15$ MARKS$]$

Analyse Dorrington $($Pty$)$ Ltd$.$s dilemma regarding its environmental impact through the lens of Kantian Deontology. What course of action would be recommended, and why?

QUESTION $7[15$ MARKS$]$

Evaluate the decision to enforce stricter labour standards in Dorrington Pty $($Ltd$)$s supply chain from a Utilitarian perspective. What factors should be considered, and what decision would maximize overall happiness?