Ethics in International – An Apple, Inc. Case Study

Apple by Region

Conclusion

We have analyzed Apple's social concerns by breaking down their global operations into 3 regions which present their own social priorities and require specific ethical responses.

Apple has implemented a corporate culture that has promoted ethical behavior from within the organization. The organization has responded quickly and effectively to social concerns raised in several regions and the responses have improved the organization's public perception and profitability. Continuing to Research, Be Proactive and Collaborate to resolve future social concerns will continue to profit Apple's organization.

Apple's Regions

• China
• Europe
• United States

Apple's Ethical Corporate Culture

Ethics in International Business – An Apple, Inc. Case Study

Apple is one of the largest consumer electronics makers in the world and has operations across the globe. This presents regional social issues and responsibilities that need to be addressed by Apple's organizational ethics. These issues include:

• Environmental
• Exportation (outsourcing) of work
• Working Conditions
• Taxation Avoidance
• Privacy
• Intellectual Property

Regional Social Issues Identified in the Case Studies

United States

Kevin Mallon, Aniya Sharpe, Madeline Valentine

MET AD 655

December 8, 2014

Dr. Lee

• Outsourcing - Manufacturing work exported to Asia
• Environmental Impact - Air pollution and Toxic materials
• Intellectual Property - Patent protection through law

Apple's Responses

China

United States

Europe

• Working Conditions - Foxconn subcontractor
• Intellectual Property - Imitation Knock-off products

Outsourcing, like taxation avoidance, will continue to have a debatable ethical standing within the United States but Apple is certainly working within the law exporting their manufacturing to Asia which has become the industry standard.

Apple has turned, in a few short years, from being one of the worst ranked environmentalists to being ranked one of the cleanest organizations by Greenpeace. Apple's immediate remediation responses to environmental concerns has exemplified Apple's commitment to not just be a legal but ethically superior environmental company.

Apple has utilized the American legal system to protect and enforce, by suing, when necessary it's intellectual property rights. Apple has not been accused of intentionally copying or stealing innovations or technology showing Apple's commitment to operating ethically while creating new innovations.

• Taxation Avoidance - Ireland Luxembourg
• Privacy Concerns - Data Collection Practices

China

Europe

Apple has made and continues to improve in its subcontractor vetting, auditing and contract enforcement in order to improve working conditions in manufacturing. This is a clearly stated ethical priority for the organization.

Copyright and intellectual property disputes continue to be an issue for Apple in China. Apple continues to navigate China's cultural ethical differences to learn how to successfully protect their intellectual property in the region.

Apple has operated legally within the written tax laws, whether popular or not. Apple's actions being ethical or not is a matter of debate however the organization has not intentionally deceived or broken the law and is operating the same way many of its peers do.

Data Collection practices within the organization have quickly been changed and made more clear to their customers in response to the privacy issues raised. Apple seems to respect their ethical responsibility to their consumer's Privacy.