Business reporters need to focus on addressing morality and ethical issues within their industry
In the digital age, corporations are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of public scrutiny, as they grapple with moral and ethical dilemmas. This is particularly evident in the ongoing boycott of Facebook by numerous companies, a move driven by concerns over the social media giant's handling of hate speech.
However, the reality is more nuanced than a simple black-and-white decision. Many companies, like Starbucks, have returned to Facebook after a period of boycott, raising questions about the sincerity of corporate values and the implications of selective activism.
Starbucks, initially, had pledged to stand in solidarity with Black partners, customers, and communities. However, the company faced criticism for its initial decision not to allow "Black Lives Matter" support. This prompted a rethink, and Starbucks later announced it would provide a Starbucks-designed t-shirt acknowledging the movement and demonstrating support.
The boycott of Facebook by companies presents a challenging landscape for businesses. On one hand, they must contend with the deeply integrated web architecture of Facebook in the digital ecosystem, making it difficult to completely disengage. On the other hand, they face conflicting realities when it comes to public relations versus internal practices, and whether they must be without fault before objecting to something.
Balancing this desire to support causes with reliance on platforms like Facebook for various operations is a delicate act. Many companies continue to use Facebook for marketing, public relations, and customer relations, despite expressing concerns about its practices.
This complex interplay between corporate values, public activism, and business operations is a rich terrain for exploration. Analyzing such issues in a philosophical context can add depth and breadth to business coverage, open doors to new types of experts and insights, and help differentiate journalistic work.
Journalist Josh Sternberg aptly sums up this sentiment, stating that companies should live their stated values consistently, not just when it is convenient. This is a call to action for businesses, and a challenge for business journalists to constantly learn, adapt, and cover morality and ethics in business in a thoughtful and nuanced manner.
In 2021, several companies publicly announced distancing themselves from Facebook. Among these, the German newspaper taz notably reduced its engagement with Facebook and was reported to have deactivated its Facebook account entirely rather than pausing it temporarily. However, comprehensive lists of all such companies and explicit details on which deactivated their accounts permanently versus pausing temporarily are not readily available.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too will the role of corporations and the expectations placed upon them. Business journalists must rise to the occasion, navigating this complex terrain with insight, empathy, and a commitment to truth.
