UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES BY APPLE AND BSNL COMPANY

UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES BY APPLE COMPANY                       

Apple organization like any other business organization is required by the law to function according to the stipulated ethics so as to respond effectively to both internal and external triggers of change. These ethics are important in an organization since it expresses the values an organization has to its workers and to the general public. The elements which have contributed to this organizations excellent performance in the competitive market include respect for the clients, honesty and trust among other ethics. These ethics have contributed to Apple’s organization overall performance through influencing its employees ways of thinking, building trust within the organization and their customers and developing goal oriented culture in the organization hence, its excellent performance in the electronics market

Upholding of the labor and human rights to promote dignity are some of the ethical principles of the Apple organization. This is achieved through treating its employees with dignity and respecting their varied needs and backgrounds to promote organization’s productivity and unity at the workplace. Other ethical codes in this organization include, anti discrimination (basing on race, age gender or color), fair remuneration, prevention of forced labor, prevention of under-aged labor, provision of adequate working hours( 60 hours per week), freedom of association within the organization among other ethics which govern the behavior of the employees in the organization .

Despite these reputations linked with the Apple organization, the organization has been associated with various unethical behaviors which have contributed negatively to the company’s provision of their products and services to their customers. The company should function in a way that is acceptable in the society and engage in organization’s activities which contribute to the overall economic stability and protection of the environment (Lusted, 2012). Therefore, this paper tries to analyze in detail the unethical behaviors which have been associated with the Apple Company, and try to identify some of the effects which are likely to contribute to these unethical behaviors. The analysis is done taking into consideration the MAN 2100 which stipulates the ethical responsibilities which the organization should uphold.

One of the unethical behaviors of the Apple Company is the violation of their employees’ rights and labor laws. This is evidenced by the long working hours its employees have to perform their tasks. For instance, audits done in the company revealed that the employees were working in the company for a duration of more than 60 hours a week and some employees working in the organization for a duration of more than six days in a week. Additionally, the company is involved in the employment of children who are less than 15 years and providing false information in their records. The employees are paid less wages as compared to the duration of their working hence, violating their rights which is unethical

Additionally, the company engages in innovations which are considered unethical according to the MAN 2100 regulation on organization’s responsibilities. The employees responsible for marketing these innovations are required by the organization work for long periods of time causing burn out and exhaustion to these employees. Employees have faced incidences of injuries such as motion injuries, injuries due to exposure to toxic chemical substances and the provision of unhealthy working conditions at the pretext of promoting innovations contributing to the violation of the employees’ labor rights hence, engaging in unethical behavior.

 Unethical Move by BSNL: Customers not Intimated about Major Plan Changes

Earlier last month we had reported about famed BSNL’s night unlimited plans going away.

BSNL Broadband Modem The plan changes were so major that users would end up paying a lot for what they usually got for free.
The proposed revision is set to completely do away with the night unlimited part and customers would be paying at reduced rates for those times. 1 GB of data download which used to cost nothing so far will cost Rs. 154  (at the rate of Rs. 0.15/MB) during 2 AM to 8 AM. It will cost double the amount if used during other hours.

Despite of this major impact BSNL did not intimate a majority of consumers over this long period. Note that the decision was taken before June 10 and the changes were to be effective (now effective) from July 1. Going by the comments, only some BSNL offices intimated customers over last few days of June and most of them are alerting after the change of plan. Though we at TelecomTALK provide authentic information, many of our readers were confused with this move by BSNL due to lack of official announcements. Last month the comments were mainly about will the change happen. Alert readers confirmed the same after contacting local BSNL offices. As we feared, due to lack of proper intimation, lots of customers are sharing their worries about bill shocks next month.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

BSNL must accept their mistake and push forward these changes by at least a month.
Customers must be intimated by proper means like email, SMS or phone call and be briefed about the impact and suggested alternatives. Not everyone can compare plans easily. It takes time for experts too!
If BSNL fails to do both of the above, we suggest customers who get high bills to opt for “SAMADHAAN” scheme. However according to their corporate website the option is not available now. They keep relaunching it from time to time. So unfortunately negotiating for a similar deal could be the answer. Of course approaching consumer court can also be a solution but that demands time and effort.