Case : Amazon under the gun

Amazon.com Inc. is facing scrutiny from lawmakers after a series of actions, including firing employees after they had raised workplace concerns[1] and purchasing equipment from blacklisted Chinese companies.[2] The demand for Amazons delivery services has also skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]

Several Amazon warehouse employeesin different locations around the United Statesspoke out about workplace conditions they regarded as unsafe. Amazons response has been, generally, to fire those workers and defend its policies as being among the best in the nation. One particular incident, the firing of warehouse worker Christian Smalls, led to New Yorks state attorney general office investigating and sending a letter. The letter, obtained by NPR,[4] claimed that the information so far available to us raises concerns that Amazons health and safety measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are so inadequate that they may violate several provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and that many workers are fearful about speaking out about their concerns following the termination of Mr. Smalls employment. ... This is a particularly dangerous message to send during a pandemic, when chilling worker speech about health and safety practices could literally be a matter of life and death.

A Reuters report[5] also uncovered that Amazon purchased cameras to take temperatures of workers from Chinas Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co Ltd, a company blacklisted[6] by the U.S. government for allegedly using forced labor in its supply chain.

The fact that Amazon is one of the largest corporations in the world makes the above incidents more of an issue than it would have been for other companies. Massive companies like Amazon, which generate billions in profit while avoiding most taxes, have a much more precarious hold on their reputation than other companies. Questions such as how to treat workers that voice concerns or where to source certain equipment are more than just business issues. Amazons decisions to fire employees that speak out and to source from a blacklisted company present ethical problems that can easily make it into the media and the public consciousness.

Given the narrative that Amazons CEO and founder Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world, ensures his company pays little to no corporate taxes, media reports detailing other ethically questionable decisions have the potential to do serious harm to brand reputation.

Apply the Steps in the Ethical Decision-making Process to your chosen Company

Step 1: Recognize an ethical issueIdentify the problem? What type of ethical issue is it? (Brainstorm the concepts in the case).

Step 2: Get the facts: Determine what, who, when, where and how of the ethical situation/issue.

Step 3: Evaluate alternative actions : Determine possible courses of action best suited to the situation.

Step 4: Make a decision and test It: Considering Steps 1-4, which decision would be the best decision for the situation?

Step 5: Act and Reflect on the Outcome: How can your decision be implemented with the greatest care and attention to the concerns of all stakeholders?