Question

Reflect on the recent coronavirus crisis and its potential effect on foreign companies with manufacturing facilities, retail outlets, or offices in China. What ethical responsibility do companies have to their employees and customers in China? What is the responsibility of companies to other stakeholders such as investors or workers in other countries?

Answer 1

Companies have the ethical responsibilities of protecting their employees and customers from the virus by taking proper measures and following the guidelines issued by health authorities. The health of the employees is of supreme importance and companies must ensure that they are provided all the PPE's. Standard operating procedures must be put in place where the companies are operational. Proper work procedure, distancing, sanitizers must be ensured. Only the required workforce must be called into work and as far as possible, work from home must be ensured. Customer contact must be minimized and home-delivered prioritized. Also, companies must ensure that employees receive their wages as much as possible and their salaries are intact. Delivery partners should be provided with proper PPE and delivery protocols so as to ensure minimal contact.

Companies must ensure that they are prepared to resume operations once the crisis ends. Investors must be briefed on the possible effect of the virus on the economy and the company so they can make informed decisions. They must be assured that the company is keeping their interests in mind. Workers should be told that their jobs will be safe as far as possible and the company will ensure the operations are not disrupted and the safety of employees ensured. Company has to take a balanced view between worker's interests and investors interests. Workers interests should take priority as investors have the luxury of time on their side.