Case Study
BP’s 1998 installation of solar power cells at 200 of its pumping stations looks like an example of commitment to green values. However, BP invested only 0.1 percent of its portfolio in solar panels,while simultaneously expanding its fossil fuel extraction and exploration program. In effect, one could argue that BP has conducted a public relations campaign designed to accommodate its consumers’ concerns about the effect of carbon emissions upon the world, while also expanding its fossil fuel extraction process. Critics refer to this as ‘green washing’, in an analogy with ‘whitewashing’. BP has also adopted ‘socially responsible’ positions on global warming to mitigate regulatory risk and legitimize its operations. By defecting from the Global Climate Coalition, an association that denies global warming, it was able to take part in debates over policy prescriptions, voicing a preference for market-based and voluntary solutions.
1. How ethical is BP? Explain your reasoning.
Note: Use of external source required to support stance on whether BP is ethical.External source cannot be any of the three required readings for this case synopsis.
2. Explain the pros and cons of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Note: Use of external source required to support/justify your position related to the pros and cons of corporate social responsibility. External source cannot be article associated with this scenario in the textbook.
3. Choose a concept from Module 6 (Chapter 11 or Chapter 12), other than ethics, that relates to this case synopsis.Explain how/why the Module 6 concept and case synopsis on ethics relate to each other.
Note: Use of course material (e.g., textbook, course video, audio lecture) is required forthis section to explain how this concept and case synopsis are linked.
