Final answer:
The ethical culture problem at Texaco in the mid-1990s involved allegations of racial discrimination. Corporations like Texaco are responsible for addressing social, economic, and environmental issues, and emerging technologies pose additional challenges in establishing ethical practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethical Culture Problem at Texaco in the Mid-1990s
In the mid-1990s, Texaco faced a significant ethical culture problem when it was revealed that company executives had made racist comments and the company was accused of practicing racial discrimination against its African-American employees. These revelations led to a public relations crisis and resulted in one of the largest racial discrimination lawsuits at the time.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporations hold a considerable amount of responsibility for social, economic, and environmental problems. They are expected to conduct business in a manner that is not only legal but also ethical and respectful of people and the planet. The difficulty of establishing ethical practices can be compounded with emerging technologies, where the potential risks and implications may not be fully understood at the outset.
Addressing Ethical Challenges
Companies like Texaco can take steps to address such ethical challenges by implementing comprehensive codes of ethics, conducting regular training for employees, and maintaining transparent practices to ensure accountability. For emerging technologies, involving ethicists and stakeholders to assess potential risks and establish guidelines is also vital.
Supporting Ethical Decisions
When faced with a moral dilemma, individuals and businesses can rely on different types of normative moral theories to guide their decisions. These can include consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. These theories can help in making informed choices that align with one's values and societal expectations.