Business ethics

Child labor

The key relevant fact which spurs the decision on child labor is that young children aged 5-17 years work for full-time basis in developing countries.  The total estimated number of children involved in child labor is 250 million and 8.4 million work in harsh conditions and bears the unbearable (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014). Majority are forced to work in an unconditional environment where they experience sexual exploitation and drug dealing.  Children are denied their education and due to the harsh condition in place of work, they live an illiterate and unhealthful life in their adult age.  Parent negligence is also a fact following that they should be help responsible for the illegal act. They do not view the adverse effect of child labor they and play role in creating a poor and a non-meaningful life to their children (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014).

 There are various ethical issues in child labor. First, children face serious hazard and they are left to cater for themselves despite their young age.  They are recruited in armed conflict and they are also involved in pornographic performances (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014).  They work in harmful conditions hence putting their life in risk.  They work for full time, low payment or no payment and they exceed the working hours. These are ethical issues which need to be considered in solving the child labor issue so that children can live a meaningful life and enjoy their rights.  On the same note, the important thing to put into consideration in solving the case of child labor is education, right of child to have an identity, right to live with their parents and right to live a healthy life (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014).

 CSR should be in the frontline to end child labor. Second is the corporate stakeholder (organization staff) and external stakeholders (community partners).  Alternatively, the government and parents should be inclusive in assisting the organization stockholders in solving the ethical issue.  First, the government will affect the CSR in planning and in implementing policies (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014). The policies will be imposed within the organization and the internal stakeholders will have to comply with the law. The government will also work with the community in that the latter will be provided with financial help, create welfare groups and provide the children with shelter and food. The government will also improve the economy and so that parents can get employment and cater for their child. Parent can also play a huge role and affect the organization. They should value education as well as the child rights. By so doing, they will develop a child labor movement and abolish the illegal act. They will report any incidence and help the government in dealing with t organizations which employ young children (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014).

 

 The Global march has offered an important guidance in resolving the issue.  It has advised that the organization stakeholders should practice ethical standards and ensure that there are just practice and elimination of child labor (Hartman DesJardins & MacDonald, 2014).  For government and other outside stakeholders to come in and take action, the organization should be in the frontline to abolish the illegal act.

 

 

 

Reference

 Hartman P. Laura, DesJardins Joseph & MacDonald Chris (2014). Business Ethics.  Decision making for

Personal  Integrity and Social Responsibility. Third Edition. Published by McGrwa-Hill