Question

Marketing ethics is an area of applied ethics which deals with the moral principles that govern the business function of marketing. One of your long-time customers has asked you to recommend a laptop that she intends to buy for her pregnant daughter who will be working from home for the duration of her pregnancy. As you examine the options you have in your inventory, you notice that each laptop has a small printed message that reads “Warning: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.” How would you respond to your customer’s e-mail? Keep in mind that year end is approaching and you are working hard to reach the established sales goals, which will also earn you a sizable bonus.

Answer 1

The moral principles of marketing ethics states that the sole principle is to govern the business function of marketing. As the customer demands a laptop which is for her pregnant daughter and considering the disclaimer that every laptop has, use of such laptop can be as harmful as stillbirth, miscarraiges or other birth defects. On the other hand it is also the end of the year and meeting the sales target is also important from the business perspective. I'll inform the customer about the ill effects of such of such devices during pregnancy. Further i'll share all protective measures which will help reduce such effects. This will ensure that the customer bestows her trust on us.