Ethical Viewpoint

Adidas is doing what they are doing because of their individualism view of ethics. Though they are doing good for the community and for those who need it (e.g. developing countries), their primary intereset is still their own profit. I say this because whatever Adidas does is to benefit themselves; even the charitable acts. By performing these acts they will gain a reputation that will benefit them from more sales, due to the improved public image.

Our Opinion

Overall, our opinion of the organization's social responsibility is that Adidas is doing well with behaving ethically on the surface. Responding to issues relating to culture, economy, and the enviroment, Adidas has a positive influence on those around it. By supporting local communities, providing a balance between work and life for their employees, and supporting customers/stakeholders, Adidas does well in creating for itself a public image worthy of being praised. However, under the surface of all the publicity and media, the organization's social responsibility isn't as flawless as it seems to be. Condoning the use of child labour and factory workers in sweatshops, Adidas clearly makes unethical decisions for personal gain. Hiding all the parts that don't seem nice, Adidas creates a good name for itself so that its employees will not question the company, but will believe that they are bringing about good in the world (while right under their noses, others are suffering because of Adidas). Therefore, my opinion on the social responsibility of Adidas is that their individualistic view on ethics causes them to selfishly think only of themselves, even at the expense of others.

If Adidas truly cared about the good of the people (Utilitarian view of ethics), they would not be using sweatshops, where they could manufacture products at an incredibly low price. Therefore, Adidas does all that they are doing ultimaely for the purpose of personal gain. Though it may seem that their concern is for the public and for the good of the people, their main concern is to make profit however they can.