MULTIPLE CHOICE
In 2020, Smithfield Foods, one of the nation's largest meat-packing companies, came under public scrutiny for refusing to disclose the number of positive novel coronavirus cases among its employees, as well as for its decision to export large amounts of meat to China while publicly warning about a looming meat shortage in the United States. Smithfield Foods' chief executive, Kenneth Sullivan, responded to critics of the company's actions by saying, "Processing plants were no more designed to operate in a pandemic than hospitals were designed to produce pork. In other words, for better or worse, our plants are what they are. Four walls, engineered design, efficient use of space, etc." How would you characterize Smithfield Foods' response in this situation?
A) Any strategy that increases the risk of continued scrutiny or eventual litigation would reflect badly on the character of Smithfield Foods' personnel.
B) Smithfield Foods' senior executives are correct in their assessment because it is considered to be an essential business.
C) An ethical strategy would run counter to the self-interest of Smithfield Foods' shareholders, partly because an ethical strategy can reduce profits and partly because ethical behavior can impair employee productivity.
D) Smithfield Foods' customers in China will appreciate its efforts to sustain normal operations in the midst of a global health crisis.
E) A strategy that is perceived to be unethical but is actually ethical, but may not be good for business.
