1.0 INTRODUCTION
Corporate behavior is significantly shaped by ethical decision-making in the ever-changing business environment in Malaysia. This is especially true for businesses such as Petronas, Malaysia’s well-known oil and gas company (Hasni, 2023). Navigating Petronas’ ethical conundrums becomes crucial as the study delves into the complex balance between utilitarian ideals and Kantian ethics. This investigation seeks to clarify how the business reconciles these two moral tenets in the interest of individual rights and society’s well-being. This paper intends to elucidate the complex tactics utilized by Petronas in order to arrive at ethically sound decisions that are advantageous to all parties involved.
2.0 BODY
2.1 Utilitarianism in Business Ethics
A consequentialist ethical framework known as utilitarianism prioritizes deeds and choices that result in the greatest good for the most significant number of people. Petronas exhibits a dedication to utilitarian principles in the context of corporate ethics, prioritizing acts that optimize overall satisfaction and benefits for stakeholders (Tang, 2021). The business notably works on initiatives promoting economic growth and societal well-being. For example, investments in community development programs and sustainable energy projects light a utilitarian mindset. Petronas is committed to promoting the greatest good for the most significant number of people by prioritizing initiatives that will have a beneficial collective effect (Argus & Samson, 2021). This proactive involvement reflects the company’s understanding of its societal influence beyond short-term financial considerations and is consistent with the fundamental principles of utilitarianism.
2.2 Kantian Ethics in Business Ethics
Petronas also adheres to Kantian ideals in the area of business ethics, placing a strong emphasis on moral obligation and defending individual rights. Fundamental Kantian ethical principles align with the company’s dedication to upholding the rights of indigenous populations and guaranteeing worker safety (Maharam, 2021). Petronas aims to provide an ethical framework based on the autonomy and rights of the individual by giving moral considerations top priority while making decisions (Hasni, 2023). Examples from the real world where Petronas has faced moral conundrums highlight how important Kantian ethics have been in forming the company’s principles. This strategy demonstrates a diligent attempt to maintain a robust framework founded on moral obligation and individual rights, above and beyond utilitarian reasons.
2.3 Ethical Dilemmas in Business
Being a significant actor in the Malaysian corporate scene, Petronas faces several moral conundrums that call for balancing the intricate relationship between utilitarian and Kantian ideals (Wyman, 2023). Given that Petronas strives for sustainable methods in producing and extracting gas, environmental responsibility is a significant challenge. Further illustrative of ethical conundrums are guaranteeing equitable labor practices for its heterogeneous workforce and attending to concerns about product safety. These conundrums frequently put Kantian ethics, which emphasizes the value of individual rights and moral obligation, in conflict with utilitarian objectives, such as maximizing total happiness. Petronas’s tactical solutions to these problems demonstrate its dedication to balancing various moral frameworks to make the best decisions possible.
2.4 Balancing Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics
For Petronas, balancing Kantian ethics and utilitarianism presents complex issues. The organization needs help balancing the need to protect individual rights and moral obligations to achieve communal well-being (Hume, 2021). Navigating the competing demands of societal welfare, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder interests can be difficult. PlPetronas tackles these complexities by strongly emphasizing openness, encouraging stakeholder participation, and taking a long-term view. Through these strategic measures, Petronas shows how companies may successfully manage the delicate balance between Kantian ethics and utilitarian principles, promoting the interests of individual stakeholders and the welfare of society as a whole.
3.0 CONCLUSION
To sum up, Petronas, a renowned Malaysian corporation, skillfully balances utilitarian and Kantian ethics, demonstrating a sophisticated method of making moral decisions. The organization showcases the possibility of reconciling personal well-being with observing personal liberties and ethical obligations by handling intricate commercial predicaments. Embodying the spirit of responsible corporate citizenship, Petronas is a model for companies striving to implement moral business practices that benefit all stakeholders, including the general public.
References
Argus, D., & Samson, D. (2021). Strategic leadership for business value creation: Principles and case studies. Springer Nature. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-981-15-9430-4.pdf
Hasni, H. C. (2023). A Qualitative Investigation of the Role of Digitalization in Transforming the Business Model and Improving the Performance of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) in Malaysia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Wales Trinity Saint David (United Kingdom)). https://search.proquest.com/openview/a4f387d818f104cfd3430f31efd86e23/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2026366&diss=y
Hume, D. (2021). ASSIGNMENT# 4–REFLECTION ON PIDP. https://www.academia.edu/download/102542121/PIDP3270_CAPSTONE_REPORT_Refkection_on_education_C_LEGARE.pdf
Maharam, M. E. (2021). Between national cinemas: reframing films from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nottingham). http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/63594
Tang, C. M. S. (2021). A study of sustainability in the energy sector in Myanmar between 2011 and 2020. https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/chulaetd/4754/
Wyman, M. (2023). The Compassionate Imagination: How the Arts Are Central to a Functioning Democracy. Cormorant Books. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ltvPEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT12&dq=Being+a+significant+actor+in+the+Malaysian+corporate+scene,+Petronas+faces+a+number+of+moral+conundrums+that+call+for+balancing+the+intricate+relationship+between+ut&ots=WClvphtm_q&sig=sVdazW6qbLd_WX7skrOuiHeyoW0
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