Globalisation - Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues for marketing in a global context (Crane and Matten (2016)

Differing standards of consumer protection

Targeting lower-income consumers in developing countries

Exporting consumerism and increasing cultural homogenisation

Geographical segregation of business operations

The exporting of consumerism and increase in cultural homogenisation

Targeting of marketing at lower-income consumers in developing countries

Differing standards of consumer protection

Geographical segregation of business operations

Questionable marketing practices, i.e. Pharmaceuticals

Developing countries less protected

Differences in the legal regulations to market offerings.

Less regulations, i.e. USA Pharmaceuticals, they can market medicines directly to consumers through mass advertising.

Exporting goods and services to other parts of the world

Fuel economic growth

Spread of consumerism

Impact of consumerism on well-being (Causing depression / anxiety & addictions)

Cultural homogenisation at the expense of local cultures. Similarity of shops and products on offer around the world, dominance of global brands.

Increase in waste, E-waste (Step, solving the e-waste problem)

Developing countries, seen as an offering, sources of new and rapid growth.

2 Key concerns: 1, Marketing products beyond the reach of low-income consumers, causes dissatisfaction 2. Low-income consumers might be exploited

Complicated supply chain

Lack of control / dangerous working conditions

Demand for a product in a developing country, satisfied by a business that sources materials from more developing countries.