Ethical Dilemmas in Selling Unhealthy Products: A Managers Perspective

Abstract

Personal Statement about Ethical Issues and Reasoning Selling unhealthy products Selling an unhealthy product is an ethical issue as it manipulates customers' decisions about the product. It is a very unethical marketing approach as it tricks customers into buying the product may be out of its fair price, quantity or packaging, backed up by deceiving messages regarding the product. Unfortunately, such products may adversely affect customers’ health, making the seller and all parties involved, including the manufacturer, liable. Arguing from the managerial point of view, it is evident that such unethical issues can adversely affect the organization as a brand limiting its potential to serve its target in the long run. At times managing an organization proves a challenge, primarily upon exposure to the ethical dilemma that demands ethical decisions to solve. The manager must now analyze the cause of the problem, its effects on the organization and consumers and how to solve the problem to ensure its impact does not affect the brand's reputation leading to society declining the existence of such organizations within their neighborhood. The manager must engage all parties within the organization to understand the cause of the existence of unhealthy products within the organization. After getting justifiable reasons why the harmful effects got into the organization and sold, the manager can understand how to approach customers through suitable intermediaries within the organization in response to the acquisition of unhealthy products. The organization can hold manufacturers/suppliers of the harmful product liable so that they can offer remedies to clients through quality products. The advertising department can provide customers with logical apologies and promise quality products at discounted prices as a remedy.