"Relativity applies to physics, not ethics." -Albert Einstein

Business Ethics can be described as the combination of business practices and social values/responsibilities (along with environmental factors relevant to business).

Case Studies in Business Ethics introduce and put forth the ethical practices which should be incorporated in business decisions. The business cases, study the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in an organization.

Business Ethics case studies:

• Put forth the idea of moral responsibility
• The ground for such responsibility
• Highlight the extent to which organizations pursue ethics to making profit..

Available Business Ethics Case Studies:

• Corporate Social Responsibility at Tesco
• The Siemens scandal…

EBay and Ethical sourcing

In September 2008, EBay, the online auction giant, launched an ethically sourced online marketplace for selling products that have a positive impact on people and the planet. The project is a collaboration of eBay and World of Good. It includes a nonprofit development organization along with a corporate arm called World of Good Inc.

Socially responsible shopping – Tailored shopping impact

The online marketplace aims to give socially responsible shoppers a chance to buy great products that also help mankind and the planet. Customers can also customize their shopping impact (regardless of the social causes most important to them) by shopping for items with different attributes spanning 15 categories. Items are broadly classified as People PositiveTM and Eco PositiveTM.

Products for sale – Organic, made from recycled material and animal friendly

Sellers at the website (www.worldofgood.com) are verified by third parties known as trust providers. The goal is to meet a core set of ethical and environmental standards. Items for sale on the site include clothing, jewelry, coffee, tea, pottery, accessories and home decor items. These items are organic (e.g. organic clothing) and made from recycled materials. Beauty products sold on the site are ‘animal-friendly’ and some products are made by artisans from developing countries. Even food items are offered on the site.

Ethical consumer experiences with Unique GoodprintTM labeling system

A labeling system known as GoodprintTM gives each product on the site a unique nutritional label. This helps customers easily identify the positive social and environmental impact on each buy/purchase they make. They can assess if their purchase aids: economic empowerment, helps preservation of animal species, conserves energy, or is made of recycled, organic and/or sustainable materials.

Facilitating ongoing dialogue between buyers and sellers

The marketplace, an online community, not only helps bring together products, people, and organizations all in one place but also facilitates a dialogue (about ethical shopping) between them and Trust Providers via related blogs, articles, and forums.

EBay, founded in 1995, has more than 84 million active users worldwide. The items offered on WorldofGood.com are also made available on eBay.com.

Download related PDF files of management case studies on eBay:

• eBay in Japan
• Meg Whitman and eBay – Leadership Case Study

1. Introduction
2. CSR Approach and Initiatives
3. Tesco’s ‘Computers for Schools’ initiative
4. CSR KPIs with Tesco’s Steering Wheel framework
5. ‘Every Little Helps’ Approach and CSR Recognitions
6. Tesco and the Environment
7. Carbon calorie counter and carbon footprint labeling measure
8. Reducing carbon emissions from transporting goods
9. Exhibit: List of CSR Initiatives by Tesco
10. Regeneration partnerships
11. Benefits of regeneration partnership



12. Tesco’s Ethical trading policy
13. Tesco – Company Background
14. Tesco – History
15. Tesco – Company Timeline
16. Store Formats
17. Tesco: Quick Facts
18. Financial Highlights – Five Year Summary
19. Exhibit: Tesco Corporate Responsibility Review 2007 – Corporate Responsibility Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
20. Related Reading
21. Questions for Discussion

Case Study Abstract

The focus of this case study is the Corporate Social Repsonsibility (CSR) initiatives of Tesco, UK’s biggest retailer.

1. Introduction

“Corporate Social Responsibility makes sound business sense. The key to our approach is our integrated business system, where environmental and social performance is managed alongside financial performance. This means we have a year-on-year program of focused action to drive improvement.” – Terry Leahy, Group Chief Executive, Tesco in “Tesco CSR Review,” 2001-02

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Tesco (UK’s largest retailer and one of the top supermarket operators in the world) is an important part of its corporate structure. Tesco’s CSR initiatives across several internal and external activities include local regeneration projects, being environmentally conscious, and community issues. A special focus is given to recycling, use of organics, use of energy and water, as well as its charity and community initiatives. These efforts reflect in its day to day activities.

Every year Tesco publishes its ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Review’ outlining its approach, implementation and policies in the coming year and the accomplishments in the past year. (Refer Tesco Corporate Responsibility Review 2007 – CSR KPIs on page 12) Tesco’s CSR strategy is basically “to earn the trust of our customers by acting responsibly in the communities where we operate, by maximizing the benefits we bring and working to minimize any negative impacts.” Tesco’s board members discuss the CSR strategy with performance reviews every quarter. The board and the executives receive quarterly updates on CSR performance, using which future risks and opportunities are evaluated…

2. CSR Approach and Initiatives

Tesco can influence society at large owing to its size and scale of operations and it does so by encouraging its employees and customers to become more socially responsible. Tesco is of the view that it has a major role to play in promoting health food among its customers and strives to make health food available at affordable prices. The company has adopted several initiatives over the years to fulfill its responsibility to society. These include charity, fund raising for a cause and promoting education. These efforts are not limited to the UK but extend to other countries in which Tesco operates…

Case Study Keywords: Tesco, Retailing, CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility, corporate responsibility index, FTSE4 Good Index, Sport for Schools and Clubs Tesco, Carbon calorie counter and carbon footprint labeling measure, Kids Carbon Calculator, Regeneration Partnerships, Ethical Trading Policy, Steering Wheel Framework, Terry Leahy, Computers for schools, Environment, Every Little Helps approach, Business Ethics Case Study, Management Case Studies

Related Case Studies on TESCO

• Tesco takes on US Wal-Mart

Case Study Snippets/Updates

• Tesco, Europe’s biggest retailer is nicknamed the Big Brother of the shopping world.