Paper Example on Utilitarianism

Characteristics of Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is perceived when individual actions are just and if there is a benefit to most people as a whole.

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It is in Utilitarianism that the theory of right action maximizes the value, which in turn maximizes the number of joyous people.

Characteristics of Deontology Ethics

• In Deontology Ethics, the right is done regardless of the consequences
• A moral action can be based as of right or wrong according to the underlying principle

Characteristics of Deontology Virtue Ethics

• Virtue ethics "is grounded in the virtuous character traits that people acquire" (Fieser, 2015)
• Virtual ethics is based on personal tenancies and urges

An Ethical Problem Confronted by Starbucks

Over the years, Starbucks has run into many ethical problems. For instance, Starbucks was being sued in 2006, for an alleged engagement in anti-competitive practices that drove Patricia Stafford, an owner of a small coffee shop in Washington out of business (Urda, 2006). Stafford, the owner of Belvi Coffee and Tea Exchanges accused the organization of hiring various rivals and then closing their stores. The firm was also accused of paying over a leasing amount on goods in a way that the proprietors would not lease to any other of her competitors.

Applying the Characteristics of Utilitarianism to Solve the Problem

On the grounds of Utilitarianism, Starbucks can be identified as unethical. Through their unethical acts of burying out competitors and then closing the stores or issuing a greater amount of leasing fee with the aim of acquiring better property areas, they are only looking at the issues that would only be of advantage to the organization. Starbucks does not regard any of the consequences underlying their actions and neither do their acts maximize the happiness of the people as a whole. Even though all decisions in a business are made on the grounds of a cost-benefit analysis which is a distinguishing feature of utilitarianism, the actions of Starbucks are not morally right.

As a solution to the problem, the organization would list all the good and bad consequences that would result, hence find out the weightier side and then find out the action that should be right if the good outweighs the bad just as the concept of utilitarianism notes (Wavebreak, 2015). This can be achieved by having special mental faculties and understand how to use them, understanding how their actions affect human happiness regardless of the cost-benefit analysis and assessing the beneficial consequences of actions as each person is affected. To avoid future allegations, the organization is currently striving to work with what they have as they work out their Business Ethics and Compliance (Tabberer, 2010). On that note, the firm's standard of business conduct notes that "Starbucks best interest to promote free and open competition. Starbucks must make its own business decisions, free from understandings or agreements with competitors or suppliers that restrict competition" (Starbucks, 2011).

The Way That the Notion of the Moral Good Present in Utilitarianism

The moral good in utilitarianism can be perceived as part of doing actions that benefit the people as a whole. Considering the situation of Starbucks as a whole, the firm can be said to be guilty of the accusations made to them by Stafford of Belvi Coffee and Tea Exchanges. In line with their Business Ethics and Compliance, the organization is aimed at achieving an environment of fair competitors and better growth of the community around it. Having fair competition and growth of the organization is a good approach towards solving the problem with Starbucks.

References

Fieser, J. (2015). Introduction to business ethics, Second edition. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc

Starbucks (2011). Business Ethics and Compliance. Retrieved from http://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/eecd184d6d2141d58966319744393d1f.pdf

Tabberer, C. [ProfTab @ OkWU]. (2010, May 05). Retrieved April 08, 2018, from https://youtu.be/Nly_OdvORQY

Urda, A. (2006, September 26). Starbucks Beaned by Antitrust Suit: Law 360. Retrieved from http://www.law360.com/articles/10752/starbucks-beaned-by-antitrust-suit

Wavebreak Media. (2015). Ethical Principles and Business Decisions. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc