It used to be, not long ago, many companies viewed business ethics and

social responsibility only in terms of administrative compliance with legal

standards and adherence to internal rules and regulations. Today the situation is
different. Attention to business ethics is on the rise across the world and many
companies including Nokia, realize that in order to succeed, they must earn the
respect and confidence of their customers and the society around them.

According to Bateman & Snell, business ethics is the system of rules that
governs the ordering of values. It affects the people’s behavior and the ‘goods’
that are worth seeking. (Bateman & Snells, 2009, p.50) Also in detail they point
out that, business ethics is the moral principle and standard that guide behavior
in the world of business. (Bateman & Snells, 2009, p.52)

After further research on their corporate website and some outside

sources, I came to the conclusion that Nokia fully understood and strongly
committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct. They are also in full
compliance with all applicable national and international laws. This includes, for
example, those relating to antitrust and promoting fair competition, corporate
governance, preventing bribery, illicit payments and corruption, labor laws and
practices, the environment, human rights laws and internationally recognized
standards, and protecting copyright, company assets and other forms of
intellectual property (Nokia, 2007, values). So like I mentioned in the above
statement, Nokia's goal is not just for legal compliance, but also as an industry
leader to be among the worlds best in corporate responsibility and business
ethics wherever it does business.

“Corporate social responsibility” is that, the obligation towards society

assumed by business (Bateman & Snells, 2009 p.63), and I believe it reflects the
way in which companies impact the environment around them, economically and
socially. According to their website, corporate social responsibility for Nokia
means, “acknowledging and responding to the impacts of our business on society
and the environment.” (Nokia, 2007, managing CR) Economic, social and
environmental responsibilities are not distinctly separate issues. In addition to
providing technology, products and services that have as little environmental
impact as possible. Nokia respects and promotes human rights and acts as a
responsible member of the society. Nokia sees ethical conduct and corporate
citizenship issues as an integral part of environmental thinking. This includes
supporting charitable, educational, human rights and community activities
through donations and other resources. (Nokia, 2007, our vision)
During my reading, I came to the understanding that Nokia full fill the four
corporate social responsibilities (Economic responsibilities, legal responsibilities,
ethical responsibilities and voluntary responsibilities (Bateman & Snells, 2009,
p.63)), which earn them a good name around the world. However, I noticed some
inconsistency on their social responsibility and ethics when it comes to managing
in developing countries, which I will research more and write about in the future.

Reference:
Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2009). Management. New York, NY: McGraw- Hill/Irwin.
http://www.nokiausa.com/

http://www.nokia.com/corporate-responsibility/ethics/our-vision

http://www.nokia.com/corporate-responsibility/ethics/tools/nokia-values

http://www.nokia.com/corporate-responsibility/ethics/tools/managing-cr

 As market leader and a global company, Nokia takes its responsibilities

seriously.
 Sound company ethics makes business sense by helping to minimize risk,
ensuring legal compliance, enhancing company efficiency and building
reputation amongst stakeholders.
 By conducting business in a responsible way, Nokia can make a significant
contribution to sustainable development, at the same time building a
 strong foundation for economic growth." Nokia Chairman and CEO, Jorma
Ollila Mobile communications is now an established force for social and
economic development.

Nokia believes that:-

 Economic, social and environmental responsibilities are not distinctly

separate issues. In addition to providing technology, products and services
that have as little environmental impact as possible.
 Nokia respects and promotes human rights and acts as a responsible
member of the society.
 Nokia sees ethical conduct and corporate citizenship issues as an integral
part of environmental thinking. This includes supporting charitable,
educational, human rights and community activities through donations and
other resources.
 Nokia is strongly committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct,
and full compliance with all applicable national and international laws. This
includes, for example, those relating to antitrust and promoting fair
competition, corporate governance, preventing bribery, illicit payments and
corruption, publicly traded securities, safety in the intended use of the
products and services Nokia delivers to customers, labor laws and practices,
the environment, human rights laws and internationally recognized
standards, and protecting copyright, company assets and other forms of
intellectual property. Nokia's goal is not mere minimum legal compliance,
but as an industry leader to be among the world’s best in corporate
responsibility, practicing good corporate citizenship wherever it does
business.
 Nokia respects the privacy and integrity of its stakeholders and endeavors
to adhere to strict standards when processing personal data and product
information. All personal data collected and held by Nokia will be processed
fairly, lawfully and carefully and in a way that protects the privacy of
individuals.