Business Ethics

WVES 312
SU 1.1
Outcomes

→ After completing this study unit you should:

→ To be aware of:

→ Understanding dimensions of business ethics

→ Existence, attribution, dialogue, recognition, fairness

→ have the ability and skills to apply the above knowledge to case studies; and

→ to be able to analyze and evaluate the above theories and issues from different philosophical and/or ideological
perspectives.
Textbook

→ Bestudeer Chapter 3 in the textbook - Rathbone, M. 2024. Understanding

Business and Ethics in the South African Context. (2nd Ed.). South Africa:
Van Schaik Publishers.
Analytic
dimensions of Existentialism
understanding • Freedom and authenticity
business ethics • Facticity
• Responsibility

Accountability

The other and recognition

Dialogue

Fairness
Case Study
In 2018 a Listeria outbreak connected to the pork-based products produced by Tiger Brands resulted in a serious operational and
financial crisis. Amongst other actions, products were recalled and production at its facilities in Germiston, Pretoria and Polokwane
was suspended.
The recall cost the company R363 million, and the share price fell from above R400 to R206.85 at its lowest point in 2019. The
Listeria outbreak was connected to the operations of the company and specifically its hygiene practices. This damaged the reputation
of the company and its operations. The fact that the company is known as a socially involved organisation could not minimise the
impact of the crisis.
A further problem was how the crisis was managed; Struweg (2018) highlights three mistakes that Tiger Brands made in dealing with
the crisis:
1. The company only responded to the crisis a day after it was issued with a safety recall by the Department of Health.
2. There was a lack of engagement with stakeholders.
3. The company failed to show compassion to the victims and their families.
Struweg (2018) states that Tiger Brands will be remembered for its continued denial of responsibility and refusal to apologise.

Determine which two of the analytic dimensions are relevant for the case study and discuss
why.
Next week:

→ Study Unit 1.2 Concepts in ethical theories

→ First Test during class 4-8 March 2024 (SU 1.1-1.3)