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2.2a Ethics

Ethics and Laws

Illustration of a halo and wings

Ethics: how a person conducts their lives based on what they feel is right or wrong.

Illustration of a police man

Laws: Rules in society which are enforced by penalties, such as fines or prison.

A business may do something which is legal but unethical.

Ethical Behaviour

Treating workers well, paying a decent wage, using sustainable materials, reducing pollution, and advertising fairly are all ethical considerations.

Some companies create their own ethical policies, which go further than legal requirements. For example:

But these can increase a businesses costs.

Pros and Cons of Ethical Policies

Advantages
Disadvantages

Ethical Advertising

UK Law states that all marketing and advertising must be:

Case Study: The Body Shop

The Body Shop was founded by Anita Roddick in 1976 in Brighton. Built on ethical commitments to be environmentally friendly and anti-animal testing before the concept was widely understood. The Body Shop now has over 3000 stores in 66 countries.

The Body Shop has benefitted from ethical practices in the following ways: