Assignment problem: A multinational mining company which is a global leader in its industry is intending to open a mine in an under-developed country where child labour is employed to extract minerals from mines. The mining industry in the country is quite primitive and the small mining companies operating there are not following basic health and safety procedures, are labour intensive, polluting underground water, creating toxic waste and gases. All of these is not only damaging the environment but is also harming human and animal life. A large percentage of the population is suffering from various diseases caused by this industry.
The mining multinational company is a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and its Core Values are congruent with the UNGC Principles. Despite this ethical dilemma, the company is keen on starting mining operations in the country because of its immense mineral potential and projected profits.
1. Analyze the situation and explain which UNGC Principles are being violated by the mining industry in the country. What are the advantages to the country and the company if the Principles are followed?
2. Which of the under mentioned approaches should the company adopt and why?
a) Ethical Relativism
b) Ethical Imperialism
c) Developing an Ethical Threshold
3. How should the company implement the proposed approach? What possible challenges would have to be overcome?
Give detailed reasons and justifications for your answers. Do not write a general answer. Analyze the situation, evaluate the facts, apply the concepts and create practical recommendations. Write about 3 or 4 pages as a Word file and upload before the end of the session.