Tyson
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Florida State College at Jacksonville *
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2512
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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4
Uploaded by hubertguy
Introduction:
Tyson Foods is a leading American multinational corporation that specializes in the production of processed food products such as chicken, beef, and pork. The company has been in operation for over eighty years and has grown to become one of the largest food companies in the world. Tyson Foods is headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, and has operations in thirty countries worldwide. The company's success is attributed to its commitment to providing high-quality food products, operational excellence, and responsible corporate citizenship. In this essay, we will explore the ethical systems of Tyson Foods and its impact on the community or communities in which it operates or is located.
Part 1: What each company does.
Tyson Foods is a leading producer of chicken, beef, and pork products. The company's operations
are divided into four segments: chicken, beef, pork, and prepared foods. The chicken segment is the largest and most profitable, accounting for over fifty percent of the company's revenue. Tyson Foods is one of the largest producers of chicken in the world, processing over 43 million birds per week. The company's beef segment produces beef and veal products and is the second-largest revenue generator for the company. The pork segment produces pork products, including bacon and ham. The prepared foods segment produces value-added products such as pizza toppings, deli meats, and frozen entrees. The company operates in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and China. Tyson Foods has grown to become one of the largest food companies in the world, with a revenue of over
$42 billion in 2020. In this essay, I will explore Tyson Foods and its ethical systems, as well as how the company impacts the communities in which it operates.
Ethical Systems of Each Company
Ethical systems are the moral principles that guide the behavior of individuals and organizations. The ethical systems of Tyson Foods and its competitors are shaped by several factors, including their values, beliefs, and corporate culture. Tyson Foods is committed to ethical behavior and has established several policies and programs to ensure that it operates in an ethical and responsible manner. The company's ethical systems are based on the following principles:
Compliance: Tyson Foods is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries in which it operates. The company has established a code of conduct that sets out its ethical standards and requires all employees to comply with them.
Integrity: Tyson Foods is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all its business dealings. The company's employees are expected to act honestly and transparently in all their interactions
with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Respect: Tyson Foods is committed to treating all its stakeholders with respect, including its employees, customers, suppliers, and communities in which it operates. The company has established policies and programs to ensure that it respects the human rights of its employees and suppliers.
Sustainability: Tyson Foods is committed to promoting sustainability in its operations, including the responsible use of natural resources and the reduction of its environmental impact.
Competitors of Tyson Foods, such as Smithfield Foods and JBS USA, also have similar ethical systems based on compliance, integrity, respect, and sustainability.
Evaluating and Measuring Ethical Systems
Companies evaluate and measure their ethical systems in several ways, including through audits, performance indicators, and stakeholder engagement. Tyson Foods has established several programs to evaluate and measure its ethical systems. The company conducts regular audits of its operations to ensure
compliance with its ethical standards and with applicable laws and regulations. Tyson Foods also measures its performance in several areas, including employee safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. The company publishes an annual sustainability report that provides detailed information on its performance in these areas. Finally, Tyson Foods engages with its stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and communities, to solicit feedback and address concerns related to its ethical behavior.
Impact on Communities
Tyson Foods has a significant impact on the communities in which it operates, both positive and negative. The company provides jobs and economic opportunities to many communities, particularly in rural areas where there may be few other job opportunities. Tyson Foods also contributes to the tax base of these communities, which helps support local schools, infrastructure, and other essential services.
However, Tyson Foods has also been the subject of criticism and controversy over its impact on communities. One major issue has been the company's environmental impact. Tyson Foods has been accused of polluting the air and water in communities where it operates, which can have negative health effects on residents. In addition, the company has been accused of contributing to deforestation in areas where it sources its raw materials.
Another issue that has been raised is the working conditions in Tyson Foods' facilities. The company has been accused of paying low wages and providing poor working conditions to its employees. This has led to criticism and protests from labor rights groups and other activists.
Comparison
Tyson Foods’ ethical system is similar to the deontological ethical system, which is based on principles and rules rather than outcomes. The company’s principles of integrity, trust, accountability, respect, and responsibility align with deontological ethics, which emphasizes doing what is right and following moral rules. Both Tyson Foods’ ethical system and deontological ethics prioritize honesty and transparency and
hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.
Contrast
However, there are also differences between Tyson Foods’ ethical system and deontological ethics. Deontological ethics emphasizes the inherent value of human beings and the importance of treating individuals with dignity and respect. While Tyson Foods’ ethical system includes the principle of respect,
the company has faced criticism for its treatment of workers and animals. In contrast, deontological ethics would prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their role in the company.
Another ethical system that differs from Tyson Foods’ ethical system is consequentialism. Consequentialism is based on the outcomes of actions and emphasizes maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While Tyson Foods’ ethical system includes the principle of responsibility, which acknowledges the company’s impact on the environment and communities in which it operates, it does not prioritize maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In contrast, consequentialism would prioritize reducing harm and promoting well-being for all individuals affected by the company’s actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tyson Foods’ ethical system is similar to deontological ethics in its emphasis on principles and rules but differs in its treatment of workers and animals. The company’s ethical system also differs from consequentialism in its focus on responsibility rather than maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. To improve its ethical practices, Tyson Foods should prioritize the well-being of its workers and animals, reduce its environmental impact, and increase transparency and accountability. By aligning its ethical system with deontological ethics and consequentialism, Tyson Foods can improve its social responsibility and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities affected by its actions.
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