Assignment 1: Not All Companies Are Viewed as Equal

In the land of free trade, the public does not view all industries as
equal. Do you believe that is ethical? Do you believe that some
industries are unfairly targeted? Should it be consumers’ choice to
partake in products that are not healthy for them, or do those companies
have an ethical obligation to protect people? In this assignment, you
will choose one (1) industry to write about. Possible industries to
research could be tobacco, soda, alcohol, casinos, or candy companies,
just to name a few.

Write a one and a half to two (1½ – 2) page paper in which you:

1. Become
   an advocate for either the consumer or the industry. Prepare an
   argument explaining the major reasons why you support either the
   consumer or the industry.
2. Explain the role capitalism plays in corporate decision making.
3. Discuss
   if you believe it is possible for a company to cater to both its best
   interest and that of the consumer conjointly or if one always has to
   prevail. Justify your response.
4. Use at least two (2) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
5. Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
   1. Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
   2. Include
      a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, your
      professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not
      included in the required page length.
   3. Include a reference page.
      Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is
      not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Determine
  the considerations for and process of ethical business decision making
  to balance corporate and social responsibilities, and address moral,
  economic, and legal concerns.
• Analyze selected business
  situations using the predominant ethical theories, such as utilitarian,
  Kantian, and virtue ethics to guide ethical business decision making.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in business ethics.
• Write clearly and concisely about business ethics using proper writing mechanics.