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Masid Danas 

The service learning output that we delivered as a group taught me many things. It taught me how to adapt, coordinate, and lastly consider. The process was rather difficult for many reasons mainly because it was in Tagalog. As an individual i am more comfortable with using English in my presentations. Most especially the fact that i had to explain a topic with some degree of technical difficulty. This also made it even more difficult for me to explain it in a simple manner, this is so that it is easily understood by the target demographic. The 5 minute video took me an hour to do because of the amount of retakes I needed to do. As I reflect on it now, I could have cut corners but I wanted the people watching to learn, even if it is only a minuscule amount. 

Suri Nilay 

Adapting to the pandemic was a huge hurdle because everything had to be done online. We had to coordinate closely in order to meet the deadlines and for us to be able to edit the video appropriately. Adapting to change, from using a language i was not completely comfortable with to platforms I was not familiar of. Now that everything is done oddly enough my memories of them, I am quite fond of. Knowing someone’s life may have been changed because of it. 

Taya Kilos

Masid Danas

The course provided insight as to the responsibilities of various organizations when it comes to the public. In the vast capitalist world where the bottom line is the usual factor considered in companies, it is a breath of fresh air. The course setup frameworks that i shall incorporate into my mindset when i shall handle my own business. Mainly, the fact that it is the responsibility of the manufacturer or producer to be liable for all the harm it’s products could potentially cause. Considering truthful marketing as well as responsible representation of goods and services offered should also be mandatory.

Suri Nilay

We all have our own responsibilities towards other people and money does not except us from it. In an increasingly capitalist world i believe that keeping our morals and values in mind is important, because we should not lose our humanity for enrichment. There are companies who work ethically and still maintain a healthy bottom line and the book states multiple examples of that. If anything, it shows that choosing to consider stakeholders is a choice that is made. Top executives are prone to forget the fact that they have employees to consider, customers to satisfy and the environment to keep clean. Lastly, the course not only reflected my responsibilities as a future businessman but rather, also my rights as a customer and citizen. The responsibilities that corporations hold for the products that they offer is a highlight of that. The government and individuals in power also have us citizens to consider when it comes to the usage of our taxes.

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Masid Danas

Normally when a product is marketed the intended use should be the the marketed on. This implies that each company has a responsibility to present itself as usable according to marketed expectation. Normally companies would meet the expectations of customers most especially the larger ones. However, there are cases whereas companies market their products in an exaggerated manner causing damage to the product. The focus of this blog is the responsibility of companies to adhere to its marketing campaigns. There has been countless discussions on corporations being negligent in terms of product safety, however something that is not talked about enough is marketing that misleads individuals and should be compensated because of it. The circumstances that are provided have things to do with waterproofing of cellular devices and misleading chipsets. I have used the circumstances in the next part because rather than separating the details, I have blended the details and analysis together. 

Suri Nilay

The violation is towards the implied warranty of merchantability, which implies that every purchase is made with reasonable assurance of its purpose. A prime example of this is the marketing scheme of Samsung implicating that their products are waterproof based on IP ratings and how they portray their products submerged underwater. This is false marketing that could cause product damages which could in turn make the users suffer. This is because the phones may have a degree of waterproofing, but it is not suitable for submerged pool and saltwater use. Pools usually contain chlorine which degrades the waterproofing adhesives which could cause internal damage to the device. Saltwater is even more of a problem because this corrodes the insides of the phone because of the salt content. Hence customers may have been unknowingly damaging their phone based on false marketing. Another recent scandal in the tech world is that the usage of Exynos chips in flagship phones rather than the superior snapdragon ones in certain regions. The snapdragon chips out perform it’s Exynos counterpart in all benchmarks. How is this a scandal? it is because Samsung still sells the phones with different specs under the same brand and charges the same price without telling it’s consumers.

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Sometimes companies cannot be trusted in regards to its marketing campaigns. Hence this is where they have violated the interest of the customers to enrich their own knowing it could cause harm. As a future business owner it is important to make sure that the relevant truths shall always be revealed when marketing a product. The marketing structure shall affect the choices of individuals hence, It is my personal responsibility to disclose only the truths and all of the relevant truths. 

Sources:

https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/samsung-in-court-for-misleading-phone-water-resistance-advertisements

Masid Danas

Currently in the Philippines our mindset when it comes to nature and the environment is that it is a waste of money and time. From corporations producing goods in an unclean manner to individuals throwing garbage around. This as a result has polluted metro manila and major cities in the Philippines. The stakeholders we tend to overlook are the animals and the future generations. We are short sighted creatures thinking the situation is not our problem with the excuse that we are but a poor country. Be it as it may we can do something to lessen and improve our treatment of our environment. 

 Suri Nilay

Initially the national government could improve the recycling system it has in place. From lack of garbage trucks to the lack of plants and an inefficient system in place many aspects could be improved upon. We lack proper facilities for the amount of garbage we produce as individuals and organizations for this country. Corporations should seek cleaner alternatives to production and coordinate with the national government in order to handle waste. From the rivers of pasig to the landfills of metro manila it can be observed that factories play a part in the environmental issues we also face. 

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individually we should be liable to throw our trash properly, this is in order to promote cleanliness and avoid unnecessary expenses on the part of the national government. In turn more funds could be put into fixing the system and improving the environmental situation of the country.  Hence, I shall practice what I preach and keep my own environment clean. These alternatives are only few of the possible solutions we could implement in order to clean the country for our future generations and the environment itself. We tend to think that the current issues are not our problem, however it is selfish to assume that given our very bloodlines are at stake. Therefore as one of the countries that is most at risk to the backlash of our environment we should take action before the issues become even more difficult to address. 

Sources: https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2008/03/02/47880/lack-garbage-trucks-hampers-solid-waste-law-implementation

Masid Danas

This pandemic has highlighted the level of corruption that government officials system has done. Given this the political landscape of the Philippines has always been corrupt and dishonest. From mayors earning financial gain based on the level of wealth most of them possess. For example here in my local province a hotel was supposedly built using government funds and the former mayor earning profits from it. On a national level we can observe multiple instances of unjust enrichment by officials, from the pork barrel to the more recent PhilHealth scandal. We as citizens should be aware of these issues because we are the voters of these officials. We also have a responsibility to avoid contributing to the corrupted system by means such as bribing traffic enforcers to avoid parking tickets and violations.

Suri Nilay

The PhilHealth scandal involving the 15 Billion pesos that were stolen by executives should show how shameful it is to be Filipino during these difficult times. In the midst of this, PhilHealth simultaneously claims that they are nearly out of funds and is on track to bankruptcy. The current pandemic did not make things easier for individuals who need healthcare. Mandatory contribution by the working class towards the institution is unfortunate, given the circumstances. The individuals responsible should be held accountable, however they merely resigned because of supposed health reasons. Simultaneously being replaced by an individual who has no idea on public health.

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If anything, being informed of these terrible issues should hopefully awaken voters into looking at what really matters. If a senator who has been charged with graft and corruption can get re elected by merely dancing there are things wrong with the system. Individuals who got elected by merely being allies of the president are put into power in positions that supposedly separates the powers from the branches of the government. It defeats the supposed checks and balances of the system. Hence, I shall be an informed voter in order to make sure that the country and the individuals who are affected the most shall not be forgotten in lieu of personal gain by a select few in power. 

Sources:

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/4/PhilHealth-P15-billion-stolen-mafia-execs.html

Masid Danas

Marketing can be a powerful tool in convincing a customer to purchase a certain product. For example there are people who would choose a brand based on his perceived value of it. Marketing plays a massive role in what the “perceived” value actually is. Part of the financial bottom line can be attributed to a successful marketing campaign hence, the heavy investments in it by corporations. This has its underlying caveats to the public however, because this could potentially lead to subconscious manipulation of the public by greedy corporations. In the Philippines there was a marketing scandal by nestle whereas, they try to convince poor new mother’s to purchase milk powder rather than breastfeed. 

Suri Nilay

The greed and unethical marketing of nestle could lead to health problems in infants and sub optimal nutrition. Another example of unethical marketing is milo being portrayed as a healthy drink but in reality it is nothing more than a mere sugary drink. It also does not help that milo sponsors multiple sporting events and is promoted by them because of those sponsorship. It is evident that the source of most of the energy obtained from that drink comes from the large amount of sugar found in it. This is where the term “perceived” value comes from, because marketing could lead individuals to think a certain way about a product. In the case of the milk powder marketing by nestle it could be considered as a form of marketing manipulation. It was discovered that companies not just nestle were earning favors from doctors, midwives and health workers by offering them lavish conference trips and in some cases gambling chips. Individuals would not even be aware that they were being marketed towards and given ill advice that could pose a health threat to children. Hence, corporations should always be mindful of their impact to society and how their individual marketing campaigns affect individuals. 

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Hence, this type of marketing should not be practiced because of the harm it could cause individuals. Knowingly marketing products that could cause harm is something that I shall avoid in the future. Even on the surface level of utilitarianism it is not worth the tradeoff. It serves to benefit the few, and would harm many. 

Masid Danas

Currently, the production of products in china is under questionable working conditions. We tend to forget that the products we use could possibly be made out of slave trade and the workers who made them would have little compensation. This is where utilitarianism shows it’s flaws in the morality of decisions and choices by companies. Simple belongings such as our I Phones a product that is supposedly premium, is made from taking advantage of another human being. We are all humans equal in nature and in rights, it is just that money gives individuals power in the society we have setup today. 

Suri Nilay 

The utility of sacrificing am estimated 600,000 individuals in order to pursue economic growth is unethical. On paper the benefit the world obtains from their labor is but a dent in global population. However, this would inevitably violate their rights as human beings. Working conditions in those factories is a testament to how taken for granted workers are. The 35 hour forced work shifts and the lack of consideration for basic human processes, such as bathroom breaks causes misery. Below minimum wage salaries are a massive concern as well, for a measly .31 centavos an hour. Dormitories consisting of 8 people in cramped spaces portray individuals as livestock. Rather than workers they are being treated as slaves and human resource for the sole purpose of working themselves to death. 

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 Our simple belongings such as our phones, electronics and the likes are possibly made by other people or machines. Sometimes we have to wonder how did the person who made this item treated  by his or her employers. The sacrifice of a few for the benefit of the masses and the elite should not be done. We are all humans and we all deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives, no more no less. This is why I will always remember the well being of those that work under me when the time comes. From the previous blog treating everyone equally is a right that they have, which means treating everyone as a human being. 

Masid Danas

In the Philippines it is apparent that the current pandemic companies attempt to help out the public. For example San Miguel corporation donated testing kits and booths to local government units. This raises the concern of what model does this company possibly have in its regard to corporate social responsibility. 

Suri Nilay

Corporations have three responsibilities and in most cases the responsibility is only applied at the most basic level. The three responsibilities are: to do good, to prevent harm and to not to do harm. To do good is looked at as basic optional in most corporations and not doing harm is the highest priority among the three. Not doing harm would usually entail the full force of the law, if it covers it. It should be worth noting that in order to accomplish these three responsibilities company models need to be used. In retrospect there are three models: the economic, stakeholder and integrative model. The economic model focuses on the fact that not doing harm is the focus of a corporation and the rest are optional. Stakeholder model considers all of the parties involved in each business decision of the company. Integrative model focuses on integrating all three as the core function of a corporation while providing goods or services. In respect to San Miguel corporation it is admirable, helping the community. However, it should also be taken with a grain of salt because it could possibly just be used as marketing in order to build brand loyalty. This is the philosophy of egoism in play, which states that everything everyone does is done for his/her own benefit. The actions of the corporation is posted on it’s main page and it could be looked at two ways. It can be considered as a marketing ploy or an indication that by nature the corporation does good for the community. So with that in consideration it is up to you to decide what you believe in for yourself. 

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With theses concepts explained it is up to me as an individual in order to make sure that my future endeavors would be of genuine nature. Sticking to integrating the models should be done because it is the right thing to do and not because it could be used in marketing. This would undermine the purpose of doing so, and would come off as a cheap marketing ploy. 

Masid Danas

In our everyday choices we need to examine the framework we use in order to make choices. By default most of us result to utilitarianism without realizing it based on my personal experiences. To others maximizing the benefit without regards to the rights of another person is enough to call themselves ethical. 

Suri Nilay

In life there are multiple frameworks for ethics and what can be the basis of a decision. Some of these are utilitarianism, principle based ethics and virtue ethics. Utilitarianism is considered as the consequence approach, in which the ends justifies the means. One common goal of this philosophy is that the good of everyone should be maximized. A limitation is that this tends to sacrifice the rights of individuals because the ends justifies the means, the good of many outweighs the rights of a few. In general this functions on he principle of net good produced by decisions. Principle based ethics consider human rights as well as avoiding sacrificing few for the good of many. Hence, the ends does not justify the means if it results in the violation of the rights of the few. We as humans have rights that should be respected and considered in this perspective. Virtue ethics considers the individuality of a person in his or her choices in decision making using these frameworks. 

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Masid Danas

In the parable there was a conflict in which, the life of potentially two men or the goal of everyone else. This brings the question of how relevant is this in the world today? The symbolism is quite undeniable, because normally executives would ignore the sacrifice and suffering of others in order to pursue corporate goals. The group was faced with difficult choices, either a part of them turns back while the others wait or Sadhu is abandoned and left to die. Unfortunately, in the parable he was left out on a rock and was never seen again. In retrospect, it can be argued that it was for the benefit of everyone else, however it is not worth the death of a man. 

Suri Nilay

We are all humans with our own respective needs and wants. In terms of needs, wants, desires we are all similar in nature and all we pursue is our own personal happiness. Despite this, as a responsible decision maker we are the ones others turn to when in comes to difficult choices. Hence, we need to look at the perspective of all the stakeholders as a whole. We are all equal as humans as i have mentioned in my previous journal. In order for us to realize the appropriate action for difficult circumstances there is a need to examine all the available alternatives as well as apply our own moral imagination while minimizing ignorance. As a leader we should strive to go after the common benefit of our fellow man in our ventures. Negligence of this and greed are some of the main root causes in the unethical choices made by people. Men should be seen as humans, hence we are responsible to make choices that are considerate of them. Others who do not have the choice of what happens to them in terms of employment, turn to us the decision makers to have their best interest in mind. 

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Masid Danas   

As i observe the situation of the pecking order in the normal corporate world, i am left to wonder. Why is it that in several cases bosses tend to look down on their employees. This is not exclusive to this scenario it also applies to any higher ranking employee in the organizational chart vs one of a said lower rank. In terms of values i have always been a person of equal opportunities and respect towards each other as human beings. From causally talking to janitors and tricycle drivers like friends to talking with people in higher positions in the same manner. Comfortably and with the respect they all equally deserve as human beings. Acknowledging achievement is an important manner, and yes it is praiseworthy but it does not warrant one human more respect than another if both are of equal integrity. Income will always be subject to position and that is something that should be accepted, but it does not give the  right to abuse the salaries of lower bracket employees.  

Suri Nilay

We are all humans and we should be judged by our character and grit rather than our current position. I truly believe that as long as a person is doing honest work they are merited respect and proper compensation. I remember the times that i casually talked to the employees of our family business like friends. Ironically one of my closest friends work there too, and i remember talking to her casually and normally without the thought of her being an employee crossing my mind. Why is it so? because i believe that we are all equally human. This truth tends to get forgotten in the chaos of the business world and amid money and power. 

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