MT$220$M$2-2$:$$Apply an ethical approach to a global business decision.

In the Module $2$ Assessment, you will read a scenario and apply an ethical approach to address a business problem. Ethics are typically subtly embedded in various business decisions you may encounter on the job. Making the right decision in line with personal and company ethics is a critical skill that can impact both the individual's and the company's legal liability.

Scenario:$$You own a small U$.$S$.-$based organic cloth distributor and often source organic bamboo from other countries. Then, the organic fibers, such as bamboo, are woven into organic cloth in Maine and New Hampshire $($U$.$S$.).$ Recently, you received an email from an international labor group alleging that some of the local suppliers you use to purchase organic bamboo unfairly compensate the small foreign organic bamboo producers for their crops. The labor group asks that your company only purchase certified fair$-$trade organic bamboo so that you have the assurance that the farmers with smaller operations will receive fair market value for their crops.

Members of your management staff are concerned that certified fair$-$trade organic bamboo is often more expensive, which could increase your overall import costs. However, you also consider your long$-$standing relationships with the local suppliers in the organic bamboo market, as they can often access organic bamboo crops that other buyers cannot.

Research the fair$-$trade certification and its implications to aid your decision$-$making process. You will also want to review the Learning Activity entitled "Ethical Approaches."$$