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Essay / Intel: Being Ethical in the Age of Globalism
Being ethical seems simple, but one must assess the situation and map choices to decide whether one's actions cause minimal harm or benefit most people ( especially those with limited power). In an age of globalization, being ethical becomes much more difficult as consumers and producers confront the rapid and global ways in which products are intertwined with the supply chain. Some companies like Intel are looking at these topics and trying to achieve their ethical goals. The fact that Intel has achieved some of its sustainability goals and improved its own supply chain makes it an ethical brand to support in its response to crises in the electronics industry. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayOne of the crises of the electronics industry is the way it acquires and treats its workforce. Gutierrez quoted a US State Department official as saying that "the likelihood that one of these [smartphones] was not touched by a slave is quite low." She then cited a list from the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) which indicates that electronics companies use forced labor in Malaysia. Although the article does not specify which company uses this type of labor, consumers should be aware that forced labor could easily be a problematic method that an electronics company could use for its products. On the subject of Intel's labor policies, Intel (along with four other companies) has provided transparency on the matter. Intel Corp. discloses more information about its forced labor policies and practices than its peers on all topics. Compared to 2016, the company improved its performance and disclosure by publishing a list of suppliers, conducting unannounced audits and disclosing evidence that recruitment fees were reimbursed to workers in its supply chain. KnowTheChain evaluated 40 ICT companies in terms of engagement and governance, traceability and risk assessment, purchasing practices, recruitment, worker sentiment, monitoring and redress. Among these 40 companies, Intel ranks first overall with a score of 75/100. KnowTheChain also said that companies (including Intel) need to put more effort into giving voice to their workers, in which the company must provide support for workers' grievances. Intel definitely has room for improvement, but its commitment to improving its supply chain makes it a desirable brand to continue supporting in 2019. Another crisis facing Intel and other electronics companies contribute is the elimination of their waste. According to Ahmed, “electronics have always produced waste, but the quantity and velocity of waste has increased rapidly in recent years.” Planned obsolescence is singled out as the main reason why people buy more products and throw away more. This leads to businesses being unsustainable in the sense that they continually discard their waste. Along with companies producing more electronics, this will also come at a cost of more carbon emissions and increased energy consumption. In response to the environmental impact crisis, Intel strives for systematic successin its attempts to be more sustainable. According to Curry and Donnellan, authors of a teaching case on IT sustainability, Intel's efforts are examples of the feasibility of sustainability in the technology industry. Looking at Intel's timeline based on its climate awareness and results, they conclude that Intel is succeeding in focusing on its environmental impact. For example, the newspaper reports that by the end of 2011, Intel had reduced its absolute emissions by more than 60% from 2007 levels. The paper also discusses the company's intentions to align its goals with development sustainable and how he achieves this by commenting on the company's efforts, particularly its organized management system. However, the authors ask readers to think about the company's efforts soon (year 2020), as their methods may be exhausted and the company may be behind in its plans. Intel has certainly refined its methods to reduce its power consumption. and emissions by implementing strong sustainability guidelines for their business. With this, it is evident that this company prioritizes sustainability and sets an example for other companies in being conscious of their impact on the environment. If one were to say that being sustainable is ethical, Intel is certainly trying to do so. Following up on Curry and Donnellan's call to action, Intel remains committed to its sustainability as the company outlined its 2018-2019 plans and achievements as it relates to the environment. Intel has achieved its ambitious energy savings target of 4 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), two years ahead of schedule. The company also works with others to apply its technology to environmental challenges since, for more than a decade, it has been one of the largest voluntary buyers of green energy under the Green Power Partnership (GPP) program of the United States EPA. At the end of 2018, 100% of Intel's electricity consumption in the United States and Europe, 25% of its electricity consumption in Israel, and 71% of its global energy consumption came from renewable sources. The company is on track to meet its 2020 goal of reducing its water consumption per unit below 2010 levels by 2020, coinciding with its additional goal of restoring 100% of its global water consumption to water by 2025. Intel has a recycling rate of 85% of its water consumption. non-hazardous waste in 2017 and remained on track to meet its goal of a 90% non-hazardous waste recycling rate by 2020. Intel is also on track to meet its 2020 goal of zero hazardous waste landfilled by 2020. Intel has maintained its commitment to green building practices, bringing total LEED-certified space to 17.4 million square feet in 48 buildings worldwide, or 26% of operational space total company. This brand is certainly making strides in minimizing its environmental impact. For this to be considered insufficient, it might be true in some respects. The ideal is zero emissions, waste and/or energy consumption. However, because they take the initiative and consistently prioritize the environment, it is a valid criterion to consider when determining whether Intel is worthy of support. The final crisis addressed by this article is the one that electronics companies and consumers face: is the brand or product using responsibly? and ethically sourced materials. As a background, Intel's semiconductor chips and other electronic devices from other companies may have used materials from the.2016.261.