Business Ethics Issue by Hannah Senior https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk en-us 2023-06-06 05:28:59 UTC 2025-12-24 02:44:11 UTC hello@padlet.com Introduction hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616752863 This Padlet intends to explore the issue of gender inequality through the critical examination of "The study of the legal and judicial approach in India to the problem of gender inequality in the workplace"

The goal is to explore the drivers behind gender equality to determine how it manifests itself in modern culture and analyse the impact of critical policy decisions. The findings will be interpreted through the lens of utilitarianism, ethics of care and Kantian ethics to determine if the issue is unethical under the principles that govern their respective theories. 

Once applied, these ethical ideologies will assist in examining whether the UN's SDG of gender equality is being met, by providing indicative steps that the country could follow to align itself more closely with the SDG. Furthermore, given the context of the article we are limiting gender to discrimination solely to the workplace in India.
]]> 2023-06-07 06:23:46 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616752863 Introduction to Utilitarianism hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616765911 Under the theory of utilitarianism an action is considered 'right' if it provides maximum utility and benefit to the majority of individuals in a situation.

It is worth noting that utilitarianism is a 'consequentialist' theory. This means that greater emphasis is placed on the outcomes of a specific situation, and less so the intentions behind an individuals actions. For example, if an individual altruistically pursued career development and growth, but actually increased the revenue of the business such that everyone's salary increased, the fact that they did it without concern for others is almost ignored as an optimal, 'good', outcome was observed (Shaw et al., 2020, p.66).]]> 2023-06-07 06:36:11 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616765911 Sustainability Development Goals hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616772850 2023-06-07 06:42:42 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616772850 What are they? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616780332 "
...At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth...
" (United Nations, 2022b).
]]> 2023-06-07 06:49:11 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616780332 Gender Inequality hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616785180 Gender equality is the 5th SDG on the United Nation's (UN's) list of 17 goals.

Considering the findings of the article, the specific targets being evaluated are as follows:

5.1 - "End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere"

5.5 - "Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life" (United Nations, 2022a).]]> 2023-06-07 06:53:52 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616785180 Evidence from the Journal Article that supports the ethical issue - Gender inequality in the workplace hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616785865 2023-06-07 06:54:30 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616785865 Key point #1 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616787847 "In the workforce, women make 34% less wages for the same work and position as men" (Singh, 2023, p.209).]]> 2023-06-07 06:56:28 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616787847 Key point #2 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616788117 "7.7% of public sector leaders in India are women" (Singh, 2023, p.209).]]> 2023-06-07 06:56:42 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616788117 Key point #3 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616788197 "22% of working women in India reported that their organisations show a preference for men at work, which is higher than the regional average of 16%" (Singh, 2023, p.210).]]> 2023-06-07 06:56:47 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616788197 Key point #4 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794049 "85% of working women say they have lost out on increases, promotions or job offers because of their gender, compared to the regional average of 60%" (Singh, 2023, p.210).]]> 2023-06-07 07:02:34 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794049 Key point #6 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794114 "United Nations Development Programme's current Gender inequality index places India at 122 out of 191", which indicates India is in the lower 4 fourth quantile globally  (Singh, 2023, p.210).]]> 2023-06-07 07:02:38 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794114 Key point #7 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794191 In "Mackinnon Mackenzie v Audry D' Costa", "court held that lady stenographers were doing work of the same kind as male stenographers, the employer was obliged to pay equal remuneration irrespective of where they were working"  (Singh, 2023, p.210).]]> 2023-06-07 07:02:42 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794191 Key point #5 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794645 "...women on boards were paid 5-33% less than men and the pay gap for women in the workforce at all levels ranged from 25-42%" (Singh, 2023, p.210).]]> 2023-06-07 07:03:09 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616794645 What is the issue? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616807041 2023-06-07 07:15:31 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616807041 Does the evidence indicate that the overall workplace environment in India is 'right' using ethical theory? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616807675 2023-06-07 07:16:12 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616807675 Introduction to Ethics of Care hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616837535 Ethics of care places an emphasis on relationships and empathy in decision-making processes. It brings forth the idea that an 'ethical' decision considers other's needs and acts accordingly (Shaw et al., 2020, p.47).

]]> 2023-06-07 07:44:40 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616837535 What is an ethical theory? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616840351 An ethical theory is a set of principles that place a positive bias on specific areas and subjectively categorise assimilating situations as 'good'. This allows for human actions to be discerned into what is 'right' and 'wrong' (The Concise Encyclopedia of Business Ethics, 2022).]]> 2023-06-07 07:47:44 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616840351 Introduction to Kantian ethics hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616843308 Kantian ethics were developed by one of the most prolific philosophers of modern times, Immanuel Kant. The ethical theories and framework that Kant created to place an emphasis on moral duty and an individual's intrinsic worth. Kant suggests that all individuals have equal moral worth, and therefore are deserving of equal respect and dignity (Shaw et al., 2020, p.54). ]]> 2023-06-07 07:50:24 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616843308 Utilitarianism hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616848862 Using the theory of utilitarianism, the ongoings in this situation would not be considered ethical. The issue of gender inequality as examined by the journal presents many ways in which women are discriminated against in the workplace, leading to an outcome that does not provide optimal utility or happiness for the majority of individuals. The key evidence in the article to support this is that the large majority (85%) of women believe they have missed out on job opportunities because of gender and 92.3% of the public (government) leaders are male. While the occurrence of these factors may not be indicative of legal wrongdoings, it is clear that both the general population and workplaces in India hold a clear preference toward males, as indicated by 22% of females suggesting their workplaces would often favour male counterparts. These statistics provide some insight into why India is in the lower 40th percentile in gender equality. For such a large and powerful nation, to be in the lower 40th percentile of gender equality is extremely poor and provides a clear indication that they are not efficiently working toward the SDG of 'gender equality'. 

In summary, it is clear that women's happiness is degraded as a result of the discrimination they face in the workplace, a clear indication that the theory of utilitarianism has not been considered as overall happiness is not being optimised.]]> 2023-06-07 07:57:09 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616848862 Kantian Ethics hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616849670 As aforementioned, Kantian ethics suggest that all individuals possess equal moral worth and are deserving of equal respect and dignity. Within the framework of Kantian ethics, specific emphases is placed on the rationality of an individuals decision, which he suggests should adhere to universal moral principles over altruism. As aforementioned, the article presents very strong evidence of discrimination toward women, based on a large disparity of pay and low composition of women in specific industries (government leadership roles). As a result, the situation does not adhere to Kantian ethics as women, a large proportion of individuals in the community, are not being treated on an equal basis with respect and dignity. 

By implementing Kantian ethics and principles, the situation would become more ethical as workplaces promote gender equality through lessening pay disparity and increasing access to new opportunities. By doing so, workplaces in India would show increasing consideration for an individual's inherent worth. Additionally, by empowering women through increased economic opportunities and reducing discrimination, workplaces in India would directly address the UN SDG (5.1 and 5.5).]]> 2023-06-07 07:58:05 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616849670 Ethics of Care hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616849828 The findings of the article provide clear displays of discrimination against women that indicate ethics of care have not been applied to India's business culture. The article shows wages being 34% lower for the same position and work, women on boards being paid 5-33% less than males, and, in some instances, overall pay at all levels of the workforce is 25-44% lower. These are all clear, almost severe, displays of pay inequality and discrimination that do not show women having equal opportunity in the business landscape. Considering opportunity, as aforementioned, 85% of women feel a correlation between sparse pay increases and promotions, something which is  observed in the government with only 7.7% of public sector leaders being women.

Given ethics of care observe a situation as 'good' if individual's needs have been considered, the discrimination in a situation indicates the current business landscape in India is a very concerning issue under this ethical theory. Given the SDG of gender equality, specifically (5.1, 5.5) targets the same goals, it is not being considered either.]]> 2023-06-07 07:58:14 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616849828 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616850093 The issue present in the situation is clear. When assessing the evidence provided in the journal, it is evident that gender equality is rife in India, presented in many ways through discrimination. Not only does the discrimination manifest itself in unequal pay for similar work as males, but in the job opportunities for hiring and progressing within a business, which generally tends to show a preference toward male employees.]]> 2023-06-07 07:58:32 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616850093 Summary hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616860901 2023-06-07 08:10:16 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616860901 Further Reading hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616872728 2023-06-07 08:23:12 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616872728 Journal Article hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616962101 2023-06-07 10:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2616962101 Overview of Journal Article hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617791815 The journal explores specific evidence to support the idea that women in India are discriminated against in the workplace. Throughout the article, pay discrepancies and gender composition imbalances for categories of roles are used to show that women face significant difficulty in Indian workplaces. The article addresses the idea that while there are laws that have been enacted to combat these issues, the laws alone are not enough and many of the problems are systemic (Singh, 2023).]]> 2023-06-08 03:18:57 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617791815 What is Utilitarianism hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617808986 2023-06-08 03:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617808986 What is Ethics of Care? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617811362 2023-06-08 03:41:26 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617811362 What is Kantian ethics? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617811794 2023-06-08 03:42:04 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617811794 Example of Unfair Working Conditions in India hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617814800 2023-06-08 03:45:49 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617814800 The 17 SDGs hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617838995 2023-06-08 04:19:48 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617838995 What are the 17 SDGs hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617842691 2023-06-08 04:24:29 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617842691 Ethical Theories hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617849296 2023-06-08 04:32:35 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2617849296 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618702358 From all of the evidence that has been presented in the situation, it is clear that workplaces in India discriminate against women by restricting opportunities and not providing equal pay for similar work. 

Considering all three ethical theories, the situation is immoral. While the ethical theories differ in nature, their predominant focus is on providing individuals with equal opportunity so that they are motivated, and generate optimal utility and happiness for the greatest volume of people. Therefore, the evidence that the article presents, showing clear signs of discrimination, clearly does not apply considerations from the ethical theories leading to a poorly managed and unfair situation. This is reinforced by India being in the lower 40th percentile globally for gender equality despite their strong geopolitical and economic power.

Furthermore, the immorality of the situation under all three ethical theories  rejects the UN's SDG of gender equality. The article proposes that while there aren't necessarily strong legal issues being missed, the culture within Indian workplaces places a strong preference on male employees despite females being extremely capable. 

If the executives and individuals in the business scenario were to apply the ethical theories presented by Kant, ethics of care and utilitarianism, there would be a society in which a large majority of people are happier and the country is working toward sec 5.1 and 5.5 of the UN's SDG.]]> 2023-06-09 00:10:45 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618702358 Understanding gender discrimination and biasness in the workplace: voice from women segment hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618833552 2023-06-09 02:20:27 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618833552 Status of Anti-Discrimination Laws in India hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618836252 2023-06-09 02:22:50 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618836252 Sex discrimination in Australia hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618837246 2023-06-09 02:23:42 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618837246 Experience of Gender Discrimination hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618845388 2023-06-09 02:30:54 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618845388 References hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618855459 2023-06-09 02:40:16 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618855459 hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618864960 Reference List]]> 2023-06-09 02:48:39 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618864960 Examples of Utilitarianism in the workplace hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618869113 2023-06-09 02:52:26 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618869113 Why were SDGs created? hannahseniormitchell https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618869563 2023-06-09 02:52:50 UTC https://padlet.com/hannahseniormitchell/af156gjngotv9xpk/wish/2618869563