Overview
Purpose
This discussion helps you apply ethical frameworks and responsible decision-making strategies to a real-world sustainability challenge. In Unit 2, you explored how ethical considerations shape sustainable business practices and stakeholder trust. Now, you’ll examine how Chesapeake Innovations can strengthen its ethical commitments to better align with its sustainability goals.
Scenario: Chesapeake Innovations
Chesapeake Innovations, a mid-sized Maryland-based technology firm, has publicly committed to ethical sourcing, climate responsibility, and fair labor practices. However, recent internal audits and stakeholder feedback reveal inconsistencies in supplier oversight and transparency across its global operations. Employees in Europe report stronger protections and wellness programs than counterparts in Southeast Asia, and activist investors are pressing the company to publish a third-party verified social impact report. As part of the company’s newly formed Sustainability and Ethics Advisory Group, you have been asked to assess one area of ethical concern and make recommendations to leadership on how to strengthen values-based decision-making.
Task
You are part of a sustainability consulting team. Your goal is to evaluate and recommend a path forward as Chesapeake transitions to a more mature and measurable sustainability strategy.
In your initial post:
- Apply Stakeholder Theory:
- Use the stakeholder perspective introduced in this unit to evaluate Chesapeake’s approach to sustainability.
- How can the company create value beyond shareholders for employees, suppliers, communities, or future generations?
- Select one stakeholder group and explain how Chesapeake’s decision-making in a specific area should reflect its ethical responsibility to that group.
- Recommend Ethical Action:
- Propose one actionable step Chesapeake Innovations can take to improve accountability and demonstrate authentic ethical leadership. You may reference relevant tools, standards, or ethical frameworks from this unit.
- Personal Reflection:
- Briefly reflect on a time when you or an organization you’ve worked with faced an ethical dilemma related to fairness, transparency, or sustainability.
- How does that experience influence your perspective on Chesapeake’s situation?
Respond to at least two peers by doing the following:
- Identifying one potential challenge or unintended consequence associated with their recommendation.
- Offering one strategy or ethical principle from this course that could help improve stakeholder alignment or long-term credibility.
- Support your comments using course concepts or external research, including the UMGC Library, to support your evaluation.
Initial post due: Saturday, 11:59 PM ET Replies due: Tuesday, 11:59 PM ET
Evaluation Criteria:
Your assignment will be evaluated based on the following rubric: