Moral Minimum Theory Essay

Of the four major theories regarding the social responsibility of business, the theory I believe in most is that of the moral minimum. This theory states that a company has the responsibility to make a profit, while at the same time not causing any harm to others. As long as a company either avoids doing harm to others or corrects any harm that it may unintentionally cause, then it has met its responsibilities to the community.
It is the moral minimum theory that is the basis for a handful of better known laws enacted by the government to ensure that certain expectations are met by businesses nationwide.
A couple of examples include workplace safety laws that put in place protections to keep employees from being hurt on the job as well as consumer
The reason most businesses exist is to turn a profit, whether for the owner, shareholders, or whomever. I would feel this way about my business and believe that few reasonable people would argue this. I am also of the mindset that few reasonable people (either inside or outside of a given business) would find it acceptable for that business to either plan or otherwise tolerate causing injury to others in order to make those profits. I think we can all agree that would be immoral, unethical, illegal - wholly unacceptable in any way shape or form. It is certainly not something I would stand for in my own hypothetical business. If my business were to cause

harm to people, animals or the environment at large in the course of our operation, I would lead the way in ensuring those affected were made whole and that further damage was prevented. In the course of conducting business, I would also ensure that my employees (including myself) were not injured or caused harm. Finally, I would also make certain that the product or service produced/offered not only effectively and reliably did what it was intended to but safely as well.
The moral minimum is my choice because from my perspective, it is most clearly