Superdrug's Ethical Business Practices

This assignment analyzes Superdrug's adherence to ethical principles in its business operations. It examines how Superdrug demonstrates social responsibility through initiatives like supporting underprivileged communities, providing training opportunities, and organizing health checkups. The essay also highlights the importance of ethics in business survival and attracting customers, drawing upon relevant academic sources.

BUSINESS ETHICS
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Contents
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................3
TASK1 ........................................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Explain the background and development of theoretical ethical approaches- ..............................4
1.2 Compare and contrast absolute and relative ethics-.......................................................................4
1.3 The ethical issues can affect the operational activities of a business- ............................................5
Task 2........................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Explain how business objectives are affected by ethical considerations-........................................6
2.2 Evaluate by presenting both the positive and negative implications for Superdrug and its
stakeholders to operate ethically-.........................................................................................................7
Task 3........................................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Assess the role of the company acting as moral agent-...................................................................9
3.2 Analyze the development of mechanisms for achieving employee involvement and
empowerment.....................................................................................................................................11
Task 4.......................................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Research a current ethical issue affecting a selected business......................................................12
4.2 Report on how Superdrug could improve the ethics of their operations whilst meeting objectives
of wealth maximization and ensuring good employer employee relationship- .................................13
References...............................................................................................................................................16
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INTRODUCTION
Business ethics
Every business needs ethics without ethics Superdrug cannot survive. These are the
rules and regulations for company. Ethics are your values which any individual bring from
childhood. Ethics can be learn, inborn and adopt. Trust, fairness, transparency, honesty, loyalty,
and faith these all comes under ethics. As we all read or listen in childhood “don’t speak bad
words, speak good words. Don’t listen bad words, listen good words. Don’t see bad things, see
the good things.”
In Superdrug PLc business ethics are code of conduct which company must follow to survive.
Without following ethics Superdrug cannot grow (Michaelson, et. al 2014). To be a best and
leading number one company Superdrug must follow ethics for goodwill, growth, movement
and productivity. By this Superdrug retain their employees, employees are more sincere
towards work, increase faith and trust in customers, it builds the image of Superdrug
(Michaelson, et. al 2014).
Ethics are study of decisions, strategies and activities by which right and wrong is addressed.
How company behaves. Ethics are the foundation of business. This helps both employee and
employer.
To be a good company Superdrug follow the rules regulations, code of conduct and social
responsibility. Protecting human rights and welfare of humans must be the aim of Superdrug.
For Superdrug, there customers, market and shareholders. How to live a better life by following
the duties of business. Ethics are the strength of business. It is the duty of Superdrug to provide
a good ethics culture (Haase, et. al 2016).
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TASK1
1.1. Explain the background and development of theoretical ethical approaches-
Origin of ethics is from the origin of life. Ethics is a part of life. From childhood child learn
how to respect elders, not to tell lie, always obey your parents, these all comes under ethics.
Values we carry from adulthood, they are not taught to us but they are caught by us. Business
ethics are code of conduct. This is the base of company. Without base the building never grows.
To develop, Superdrug must follow principles. To get good life Superdrug must be honest, fair,
trustworthy, impartial and integrated. “Do good and get good”. This is what Superdrug have to
do for a reputed company (Haase, et. al 2016). Theoretical ethical approach is one of the
technique through which organization can adopt the fair practices and working. Personal ethics
are more important for growing business. By attracting employees Superdrug reduce the
recruitment cost. Investors are more attracted towards investment
This is the attitude and way of business, how business is dealing with people, world. Some
business only wants to earn money not to follow ethics. But to survive in market Superdrug
follow ethics and maintain the values of business to survive. As a company Superdrug only
grow by applying code of conduct. Feeling of social responsibility must be there to serve
customer.
Personal ethics are more important for growing business (Pursey, et. al 2010). By attracting
employees Superdrug reduce the recruitment cost. Investors are more attracted towards
investment.
Superdrug social responsibility provides benefits to business. Increase in trust and morale helps
in increasing market share of Superdrug. Actions taken by Superdrug must be in favor of
company and customers.
D2
In a Superdrug health and beauty firm ethical theory is very important factor affected
the growth. Development of ethics based on various key factors like human rights, social
justice, basic needs of the consumers. This action are effective only when public authority
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takes the right actions for the growth of the firm. In the development of ethics, it directly
reflects economy development of the firm. Business ethics refers to the relation of employer-
employees and discrimination factor or social responsibility. For the completion of the work,
firm require to be apply the strategies for the betterment of the business and developing the
ethical approaches. There are 3 major ethical approaches like virtue ethics, deontological, or
duty based ethics.
1.2 Compare and contrast absolute and relative ethics-
Difference between the contrast absolute and relative ethics
contrast absolute relative ethics
Absolute ethics based on principles. In this
rules never change they are universal. Any
decision taken under this approach is
permanent. If Superdrug owners make some
rules so employees must follow the rule. In
this approach mainly work is important or not
the people.
Relative approach based on open to change or
accept change. This is open to all everybody
gives opinion Decisions can be change
according to the situation. In relative approach
work is important but respect, feeling and
emotions for all is most important
Absolute ethics based on principles. In this rules never change they are universal. Any decision
taken under this approach is permanent. If Superdrug owners make some rules so employees
must follow the rule. In this approach mainly work is important or not the people. This
approach is only work and result oriented. In absolute ethics only there is one decision for all.
In absolute ethics Superdrug follow only one set pattern (Whyatt, et. al 2012). Like if there is
any rule in Superdrug to wear trouser and shirt than it is applied for all, for man and women.
For eg: Hacking and cheating is always unethical but Superdrug follows cheating and hacking
to make its products. Superdrug thinks I only do what is right for me or not for the humanity.
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Certain decisions never judged as right or wrong like cheating is not always unethical.
Superdrug follow good practices cheated from any other company to develop its business. But
if Superdrug hack some unofficial work from some other company than it is unethical (Whyatt,
et. al 2012).
Relative approach based on open to change or accept change. This is open to all everybody
gives opinion Decisions can be change according to the situation. In relative approach work is
important but respect, feeling and emotions for all is most important. Here Superdrug thinks in
favor of both employees and work of company. In relative approach mainly focuses on the
respect, interest of all. In relative ethics Superdrug must be flexible.
For eg: It is not mandatory to wear trouser and shirt for all employees. But Females can also
wear suits, sarees instead of trousers. Different cast have different way of dressing. Muslims
wear head covering scarfs (HIZAB). Indian wears sarees or suits instead of trousers (Svensson,
et. Al 2011).
In compare with the relative and absolute ethics, absolute ethics believes that certain
situation like what is right is right and wrong is wrong no matter what is the situation behind
this, While relative ethics believes that the situation is whatever something is either right or
wrong based on circumstances. Absolute ethics is true all the time where relative ethics judge
the situation and relate them according to the work ethics.
1.3 The ethical issues can affect the operational activities of a business-
To grow fast Superdrug must follow the rules and regulations of business. To survive in market
or retain the customers hearts Superdrug must supply good quality products and services. To
maintain or maximize its profit Superdrug needs to increase its sales and manufacturing. For
promotion if Superdrug misguides customers by delivering fake messages and provides the
right information about the product this affects the business of Superdrug (Svensson, et. al
2011). Increase in price of product without any valid reason. Selling low standard product of
cheap quality to maximize the sale. By bribing government officials for selling cheap quality
products. These practices decrease the goodwill of Superdrug and convey a bad message to
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customers about store. This low down the image of company and effects the sale. Disposed off
toxic waste also affects the humans and wildlife.
Lack of ethics also affects the employee relations. If head or manager of store is doing wrong
practices than he loose the respect from employees. This will also bring lack of concentration;
unethical behavior leads to lack of trust in employees.
Equal opportunity must be given to all society. There must be no discrimination in between age,
caste, gender and from where person come. Treating all equal, giving equal opportunity to all
working in Superdrug. When Superdrug treat employees equally than employees also feel
belongings towards Superdrug (Svensson, et. al 2011). They treat Superdrug as their own
company. Employees think in the interest of Superdrug and this leads to profit of company.
It also hampers the performance of employee. Lack of ethics results in employee performance.
It also decreases business of Superdrug stores. If image of company down than profit also
decreases. This stop down the business and also create company bad image.
Any wrong decision made by Superdrug impacts on goodwill of store and market position.
Trust is most important to make. If trust is high growth of business is high (Svensson, et. al
2011).
Wrong decisions also affects the activity of business. Protection of Employee and customer
rights can be done by providing healthy working environment to employees. By providing best
quality product to customers in nearby stores with good sales options (Svensson, et. al 2011).
Task 2
2.1 Explain how business objectives are affected by ethical considerations-
Ethics are important for Superdrug. This help superdrug to achieve their target and goals. Ethics
is doing good to all, We must not always think in favor of business but also in favor of society.
Business faces many problems everyday. Objective of Superdrug is profitable business.
Business always wants to grow and earn good profits and goodwill but these are affected by
ethics. Business aims to produce more and more but in low price. For this company needs best
labour, cheap raw material suppliers (Melé, et. al 2016). What company does? Do Superdrug
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provide good salary and good working conditions to employees and produce cheap product. Or
Superdrug hires child labour and produce best quality product?
Child labour in company were less paid and there working hours are also not good. These are
unethical for business. Doing business in right manner in ethical way achieve its goals and
objectives (Melé, et. al 2016). Eco friendly environment, safe for work. By providing safe
working environment to employees. Primary objective of business is to gain more profits, there
are non-profit organizations established to earn profits.
Superdrug produces health and beauty products so it provides environment and human safe
product. Avoiding harmful uses of chemicals. Fair treatments with all employees. These
conditions effects business objectives. So business must be fair and not affects human health
(Wray‐Bliss, 2013).
Providing good services and product to customers, after sale service this shows ethical behavior
of Superdrug. Providing good working environment to employees, job security, extra benefits
and security at workplace helps building trust in employees. By these practices business grow
with ethics.
Business objectives are affected the ethical considerations of the Superdrug in several ways like
productivity of the firm, customer service, employee retention, growth of the organization these
factors are affected the ethical growth of the business in direct and indirect way. In the way that
individual affected by the conduct of others virtue is in ethical consideration.
2.2 Evaluate by presenting both the positive and negative implications for Superdrug and
its stakeholders to operate ethically
Stakeholders are person who invest in company. Superdrug main aim is to build goodwill and
image among all. Superdrug Stakeholders main aim is to increase sales. In order to increase sale
and increase profits Superdrug follow wrong practices but also known for its good practices.
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Ethical behavior is important for Superdrug. Ethical behavior includes Social responsibility,
relations with stakeholders, respect of environment and treating all fairly (Wray‐Bliss, 2013).
Superdrug has always wanted to be a good store by providing high quality product with fair
price.
Superdrug wants to do business ethically but this affects cost, sale and profit. They want to sell
more but in fair price this increases the sale but decrease the profits. Superdrug main aim is
reputation, to maintain its reputation Superdrug provides good quality product with fair prices
but this leads to low profits and increases in sales. This policy also attracts the new customers
and also they earn more respect and trust. This grows business and this is good for long term.
Superdrug chooses to run business ethically by giving back to the community and society. They
want to clean the nearby areas and providing training to the students. This benefits the society,
and increase the goodwill of Superdrug. Superdrug provides neat and clean working
environment and better working conditions to employees (Arnaudov, et. al 2012). They treated
workers fairly and equally.
Positive and negative work ethics are the main factors affected at the workplace and
these factors include that various section like in positive ethics it consist of the set of values,
right approach, respect for others, precise behavior. In the negative ethics of the superdrug plc
there are several factors like politics and attendance of the employees and their growth.
Design a suitable code of ethics for Superdrug. The ethical code must be presented in the
form of a creative poster
M3
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Task 3
3.1 Assess the role of the company acting as moral agent-
Role of a Superdrug towards employees, shareholders, Market and customers. Superdrug is
accountable for all. It means business has liability to act ethically. If Superdrug pay low wages
to its labours results in unhappy labour and it effects the work of Superdrug. Superdrug as a
company has a different identity so to be morale agent Superdrug must follow ethics and think
in common interest. Companies taking good ethical decisions and behaving in correct way.
Superdrug also working as a moral agent (Arnaudov, et. al 2012). Working in a way that there
working doesn’t harm others.
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Superdrug must praise and blame its employees for work. As a company Superdrug achieve its
targets on time.
Superdrug provides good quality product to its customers on fair prices. Superdrug also does
CSR activity. Motivating employees towards work. Collaborating with new companies to meet
global exposure. Providing good working environment to workers and employees (Arnaudov,
et. al 2012).
Superdrug is building trust in new stakeholders and following good practices like- thinking
about environment safety, to provide pollution free environment, by appreciating employees in
terms of rewards, recognition and appreciation letters.
To be a Morale agent Superdrug must be a role model and do good work for its customers,
employees, government, shareholders and market.
Creating a good working place is not an easy task it’s a process. By providing training to the
nearby villagers and jobs to job seekers. Innovative ideas taken from employees and improve
the productivity. Taking feedback from customers about product. Superdrug surprising
employees with celebrations, give permissions for fun. Clear goals, vision and mission.
Designing new product with new ideas. Providing equal opportunities to employees to boost up
morale. Providing good working conditions to employees, equal and same treatment with all
employees. When Superdrug deals with other organization it must take care to behave in a
proper way. Their work did not affect the image of Superdrug (Arnaudov, et. al 2012).
3.2 Analyze the development of mechanisms for achieving employee involvement and
empowerment
Employees are the assets for Superdrug. For success of Superdrug business employee
involvement is important. By this employees are encouraged by using their experience,
knowledge and expertise. Superdrug takes ideas from employees for problem solving and
decision making. This also builds good relationship between employee and employer.
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Empowerment includes taking right decisions. Right decisions results in greater productivity
and higher profits. It includes good work life. Employees are more loyal towards Superdrug
(Arnaudov, et. al 2012). Employee feels safe to share feelings.
Superdrug practices helps in boosting the morale of employees. Employees are more efficient
towards work.
It also increases the productivity, employee works with enthusiasm and zeal. Employee gives
creative solution for problems.
Greater employee involvement increase unique ideas for problem solving. It encourages staff in
running business. Superdrug asks employees to suggest solutions for obstacle. Employees
encourages and speak freely about their problems. Superdrug communicate the objectives with
their employees so that they understand them well. It also helps in more focused organization. It
also bridges the gap between top management and lower management. Employee feels
belonging for organization (Arnaudov, et. al 2012). This will help in point out the problem and
improvement. Employee accept change. Innovative ideas comes in the mind. Problem solving
efficiency increased.
Employee empowerment is factor that give the certain reward to their employee so the work
ethics at the workplace is improved and is also effective for the firm and give boost to the
growth of the business. Employee empowerment allows to give the opportunities to their
employees so that they expressed their ideas and give their own opinion regarding the specific
task.
Task 4
4.1 Research a current ethical issue affecting a selected business
To follow CSR activity Superdrug start giving attention to HR policies. Superdrug PLc received
criticism for unethical and non-environmental friendly business practices. Production of drugs
greatly exceeds toxics. Nearby villagers having problem by drug waste. Water of nearby areas
is not good to drink. They are excreting in soil hence leads to soil loose its fertility. These
effects in wildlife and fishes. This effects the water pollution. Drugs flush in nearby lakes and
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ponds leads to water pollution. The major ethical issue within the Superdrug is pollution from
the drug harm, depletion of natural resources, Dangerous Chemicals from Superdrug Plc etc
Pollution from drug harms the health of people living nearby areas. Environment is also
effected by pollution. Death of aquatic animals in water also harm environment. Many fishes,
crabs and other aquatic were died it affect food chain. Garbage of Superdrug also dump in land
it affects soil and the land animals. Solid, liquid and gaseous waste affects the environment. Air
pollution by chimneys of Superdrug, burning of waste material creates air pollution. Long term
air pollution may leads to diseases like asthma, heart diseases and it also affects kidney, lungs.
Depletion of natural resources, climate change and global warming are caused pollution.
Quality of land is also affected. Repeated exploitations of natural resources. Water pollution,
soil pollution air pollution leads to destruction of forests and also damage wildlife. Due to this
most of the species get distinct from forest.
Nearby cities and towns get highly affected by this. Dangerous Chemicals from Superdrug PLc
also affect the environment. The main problem with this is it affects life. Plants get destroyed
Superdrug is a manufacturing company it has high risk of damages. So it is the social
responsibility of Superdrug to avoid these issues and help by saving environment. This will
affect the reputation of Superdrug. Waste must be kept in containers and these containers must
dig in the ground away from society. Water treatment plant must be operated to solve water
pollution.
There are several types of ethical issue faced by the firm like: diversity issue, decision making
issue, compliance and governance issue, fundamental issue that effect the growth of the
Superdrug firm in many ways. Decision making is the issue in this the employee faced problem
because of the lack of communication with higher authorities. Governance issue are that
business are fully comply with the rules and regulation of the government and affected the
ethics.
M1
There are various ethical issues faced by the Superdrug plc and these are no animal
testing, no petrochemicals, limited packaging, global sourcing, ethical sourcing, natural
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ingredients, organically produced materials etc. These issue can directly affect the operating
system of the firm and also the growth, mainly these issue affect the quality and productivity of
the organization.
4.2 Report on how Superdrug could improve the ethics of their operations whilst meeting
objectives of wealth maximization and ensuring good employer employee relationship-
Superdrug PLc must follow ethics to increase relationship between his employees. Employees
are the main resource for Superdrug. Without employees help or work it is not possible to
maximize the profits and wealth. Following are measure through which company can improve
its ethical consideration within the organization-
If employees of Superdrug are motivated towards work than only Superdrug achieve its targets
and goals. To improve the relationship between employees and employer Superdrug must
emotionally connect with employees and get attach to their feelings (Svensson, et. al 2010).
Because emotional attachment help employees to be frank with management and it is easy to
work share problems with management. Emotional attachment with workers helps management
to solve their problems.
Cooperation of Superdrug top management with lower level helps to motivate them and share
objectives. Coordination between workers and employees help Superdrug to maximize its
wealth. Employees think there must be a common goal between me and Superdrug so they get
connected and this improve there working efficiency.
Superdrug management must behave as a teacher, a coach, a good leader and mentor with their
employees to guide and motivate them. This will helps in working easily. This also reduce
employee turnover and get most talented employees (Svensson, et. al 2010).
As human beings are social so if Superdrug invite there employees for a social gathering this
will help make a bonding between employees and employer. Games, lunch and activities helps
in mixing, Sharing new ideas and tis in turn help to achieve goals and targets.
Superdrug top level must be a role model for the employees this will create an Interest in
employees to work enthusiastically. Feedback must be taken from employees to build a strong
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relation. Follow ups with employees help improving their task and capability of work. by these
steps Superdrug make a good position in the eyes of employees and help to increase their
wealth and make good relations. Relationship between employees helps sharing ideas and
problems of Superdrug. If there is any loop hole than immediately it will be removed.
M2
There are various method to improve the ethics at the workplace and these are;
communication, discipline, change etc. Improving the work ethics at the workplace is directly
affect the growth of the firm and proper communication with the team member and higher
authorities is must to improve the work ethics. Discipline is the major work ethic at the
workplace and also this is important for the each individual member of the firm so that they
maintain good employee-employer relationship.
D1 & D3
The improvement of ethical behavior in Superdrug plc they have to follow some
strategies and ethical standards to overcome their ethical issues like: they have to use natural
material for the production of the beauty product. Moreover they have to avoid the limited
packaging problem and improve the quality of product. These are the basic solution for the
betterment of the company growth and avoid the ethical issue faced by the firm.
Conclusion
Business ethics is the most important part of business. Foundation of business is ethics. Good
practices leads good image of Superdrug. Be a good leader, a role mode, trend setter and a good
will help in develop business. Business did not run without ethics. Not to do wrong, unethical
behavior leads to decrease the image of Superdrug PLc. Profits of Superdrug also falls down.
Good practices of business ethics will grow image and get good business. Superdrug will also
vote as number one health and Beauty Company (Svensson, et. al 2010).
If someone feels happy than other people also enjoy his company. To get good Superdrug must
do good with others. Superdrug takes initiative and help poor and needy person to work. They
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also provide trainings to the people, open schools in villages and time to time health checkup
camps to help poor people.
Setting examples, teaching with examples and be a good leader with employees to improve
their work efficiency. Good practices must be followed by Superdrug to attract customers. To
run business smoothly it is important to follow ethics. Ethics helps in Business survival.
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References
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