A factory that manufactures bags and shoes was situated in a small town in Oman. It provides jobs for many people in the small town. It is not easy to find other jobs in that town. The company has stayed in the town for almost ten years because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides, even though the company could find cheaper workers elsewhere. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and for being socially responsible. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product, that for years has flown into the nearby river. The by-product has been considered harmless but some people who live near the river have reported illnesses. The by-product does not violate any anti-pollution laws now. Questions: 1. What are the ethical issues given in this case study? 2. What options does the company have, and what should it do and why?
A factory that manufactures bags and shoes was situated in a small town in Oman. It provides jobs for many people in the small town. It is not easy to find other jobs in that town. The company has stayed in the town for almost ten years because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides, even though the company could find cheaper workers elsewhere. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and for being socially responsible.
The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product, that for years has flown into the nearby river. The by-product has been considered harmless but some people who live near the river have reported illnesses. The by-product does not violate any anti-pollution laws now.
Questions:
1. What are the ethical issues given in this case study?
2. What options does the company have, and what should it do and why?
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