Business Ethics

"How could firms derive the full advantage of low cost labor and the benefits of flexile contractor relationships, while also respecting the rights of workers in developing countries" (pg 316).
"How can we pull together as a team to make this merger work if some of our key players have to run home every time their kid has a cold" (pg. 290)?

I think companies should rethink the definition of "taking full advantage of low cost labors" by factoring the bottom rule that respecting the rights of workers IS part of "low cost labors." I believe out sourcing jobs to developing countries is already cutting the cost down compared to hiring workers in the states. However, because of he competitive market, companiess are lured into cutting the cost even lower by fringing upon human rights. Yet, similar to Levi, from "Ethics in the Trenches," the company can be also competitive with a positive value for the right of their workers. After reading about Levi's creative response to underage workers, I felt a responsibility as a consumer to support that. Though Levi jeans are more expensive than other companies, yet it's qualities are also better than most. I also believe that companies such as Levi can also put pressure on other companies for their unjust ethics and inform the public of their choices and power in consumerism. Similar to Nike's turn around, I think it is possible to affect the overall ethical awareness if in the long run, the benefits will out weigh the sacrifices taken in the initial stages. (reminds me of the three malaises...)

As for McNeil's case, it seems to me that the problem started right at the beginning, at the interview. I thought McNeil was absolutely clear about her responsibility as a parent and what her priorities are. It was unfair that during the interview Walters and Foyd did not tell her the truth, perhaps lied, to her about the working environment and that they are practically looking for a single and young person {similar to Walter} for the job. Thus right at the begining, they are already trying to force a round peg into a square hole.

That aside,every employee will need to attend to their family members once in a while, it is inevitable. However having a fellow co-worker to help back up the work or holding a conference call from home can help ease the situation greatly. Today, many people work at home and do not even set foot in the office because technologies allow us to communicate with each other through the internet, and even monitor or exchange work loads. In McNeil's case, she could be virtually at the meeting through the internet or on the phone, though not ideal, yet perhaps will help the situation.