Ethics Unit 8 LJ
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Unilever "Enhancing Livelihoods" through Project Shakti
Department of General Studies, University of the People
PHIL 1404: Ethics and Social Responsibility
Dr. Jacqueline Thomas
March 23, 2023
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Introduction
In this paper, I will discuss the Shakti program sponsored by Unilever, a
Dutch-British corporation, that supports men and, mainly, women in rural
India to start their own businesses and be able to support themselves and
their families. I will discuss Unilever's motives, the ethics towards them, the
corporate and personal sustainability regarding this program, and if the
Shakti program could be duplicated in other countries and by other
companies (
Byars
& Stanberry
,
2019)
.
Unilever's motives
I think Unilever definitely sponsors the Shakti program for its own
profits. Like all big corporations, Unilever probably wants to grow its profits.
But because big corporations want and need to have good publicity in their
name as well,
I think there is a good chance that this corporation also
sponsors it to benefit women and men
in India.
This might lead back to their
own benefit because it gives them good publicity to support poor
communities. Through good publicity, corporations grow their profits even
more because consumers will support the ethical actions they take and the
environmental sustainability for which they are responsible.
Mixed motives
As I already said, every big corporation's goal is to grow its profit. It is
rather a win, win situation because it doesn't only benefit them but also
women and men in rural India. The more profit a corporation makes, the
more it can sponsor projects like Project Shakti.
Therefore, the fact that it
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supports these programs for its own benefit does not discredit Unilever in my
eyes.
Example of corporate and personal sustainability
The Shakti program is a good example of corporate sustainability
because a big corporation like Unilever helps people, mainly women, in rural
areas in India to flourish and start their own businesses. Even though
Unilever benefits from it financially, they are giving back through its support.
The Shakti program is also a good example of personal sustainability
because women and men in rural India can support themselves and their
families through their own small businesses and give back to the community.
Duplicate this model
I think this program can absolutely be duplicated somewhere else.
Especially in other third-world countries in Asia and Africa, programs like this
could benefit communities who are struggling to support themselves. Mainly
women, for whom it is difficult to find a job and make a living, would need
support through corporations like Unilever to get the education and
mentoring to understand what has to be done in order to be a successful
small business owner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shakti program is
, in my opinion, a great idea and
should be expanded to other areas in India, as well as other third-world
countries. More corporations should start sponsoring and supporting poorer
communities in the world to help them become business owners or be part of
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a successful business.
References
Byars, S. M., & Stanberry, K. (2019).
Business ethics
. OpenStax College and
Rice University.