What role should government play in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses?
Government should enforce the laws that Congress has passed.
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/managing-business/business-law-regulations
The government doesn't have any imperative to enforce social and moral expectations on business, but it does anyways. Through various government agencies they direct the operations of businesses which is enforcement. This enforcement comes from regulations that were embedded into laws.
This doesn't mean there isn't an argument as to whether or the not the government SHOULD enforce some social or moral expectation on a business. The main argument for is the use of historical events as precedent for actions. Things such as drug scares for the FDA, improper food handling for the USDA and the like, monopolies on business and lack of competition and the SEC, and so on.
The argument now is whether these things are still useful, and whether businesses would return to their former practices if there were no regulation. This does raise an ethical dilemma. Are the businesses not acting in immoral ways that are now illegal because it is illegal or are businesses not acting in immoral ways that are illegal now because they are immoral and their business would not survive in the current social climate?
There is no easy way to answer this question, but it should at least be easy now to pick a side and try to defend it.
The question of what role government should play in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses is a complex one and can vary depending on different perspectives and ideologies. However, I can provide you with an explanation of how to approach this question and evaluate different arguments.
1. Understand the context: Before discussing the precise role of government, it is important to understand the specific social and moral expectations being referred to. Different societies and cultures may have varying norms and values, so the role of government can differ in different contexts.
2. Consider different viewpoints: There are multiple perspectives regarding the role of government in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses. These perspectives can range from minimal government intervention to comprehensive regulations.
- Minimal intervention: Some argue that government should have a limited role in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses. They believe in minimal regulations and prefer market forces and self-regulation to shape business practices. They argue that businesses should govern themselves based on consumer demands and market competition.
- Moderate intervention: Others advocate for a moderate role of government in enforcing social and moral expectations. They argue that governments should establish some regulations and standards to protect public interests, ensure fair competition, and prevent harmful practices or exploitation.
- Extensive intervention: On the opposite end of the spectrum, some argue that governments should play an extensive role in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses. They believe that businesses have social responsibilities beyond profit-making and that government regulation is needed to ensure ethical behavior, protect workers' rights, promote social justice, and address externalities such as environmental impact.
3. Evaluate pros and cons: When considering the role of government in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses, it is essential to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Here are some key considerations:
- Pros of government intervention: Government intervention can help establish and maintain ethical standards, protect vulnerable parties, ensure fair competition, and address market failures. It can also promote social welfare, sustainable practices, and provide a level playing field for businesses.
- Cons of government intervention: Over-regulation can limit business innovation and flexibility, impede economic growth, and lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Excessive government control may also raise concerns about individual freedom, intrusive monitoring, and potential corruption.
4. Analyze real-world examples and case studies: Looking at real-world examples and case studies can help provide insights into how different approaches to government intervention in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses have played out.
In conclusion, determining the appropriate role of government in enforcing social and moral expectations on businesses requires a careful balance of various factors, including societal norms, economic considerations, and ethical values. Considering different viewpoints, evaluating pros and cons, and analyzing real-world examples can help in formulating an informed opinion on this matter.