Business Ethics: Case 14
Apples Inc.’s Ethical Success and Challenges
“Apple Inc., incorporated on January 3, 1977, designs, manufactures and markets mobile
communication and media devices, personal computers and portable digital music players. The
Company sells a range of related software, services, accessories, networking solutions and third–
party digital content and applications.” (APPL.O) The original CEO is Mr. Steve Jobs, he and his
cofounder of Apple Mr. Steve Wozniak first started out selling the first Apple product which was
not successful in result Jobs was outed. Then there was a declining in products and Jobs returned
in 1997 to helped with the sales. When jobs returned, he instituted a “closed door” policy, which
means all things are to be kept secret.
Apple’s philosophy and organizational culture has impacted ethical decisions are that Jobs
created a flattened organizational structure so they will not have to go all throughout
management, so instead Jobs goes back in forth between employees and manager. Which
defiantly probably kept confusion to a minimum to focus on the important things as in coming up
with great ideas for their product. “Apple has attempted to make sure its employees and those
with whom they work show appropriate behavior in all situations. “Creating revolutionary,
products and services and on demonstrating integrity in every enterprise interplay,” is what the
bases of fulfillment is on. “According to Apple, four main principles contribute to integrity:
honesty, respect, confidentiality, and compliance.” Checking to make sure all employees have
the right frame of mind is very important because you need to rely on them when they represent
the company. Many times, when a company get a negative reputation it sticks with them because
the one thing that people don’t do is forget especially when money is involved. “In 2011 Apple
