Ch. 3 - Ethics & Social Responsibility

Ethics refers to the moral principles or values that generally govern the conduct of an individual or a group. Ethics can also be viewed as the standard of behavior by which conduct is judged.

Morals are the rules people develop as a result of cultural and values and norms

Each Sony group abides by a Code of Conduct called: "Sony Group Code of Conduct". The Sony Group Code of Conduct reflects principles set out in the "Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises", "the United Nations Global Compact and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights". Sony also participated in the formulation of and observes the standards outlined in the "Charter of Corporate Behavior of the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)", an alliance of Japan's leading corporations.

By reflecting principles being set out by other guidelines like the UN and OECD, Sony is making sure there guidelines work across all nations they sell there product too, since morals tend to change across cultures. Its important that Sony understands its Corporate social responsibility, a business's concern for society's welfare or CSR. Being a big company, regardless of what products they sell, when people shell out more for there products people expect something in return.

On there website, Sony has a specific part where they inform us of there knowledge of CSR:

"Our companies are known for creating products that enrich people's lives.  Through Sony Corporation of America and its operating companies, we’re equally dedicated to improving people's lives.  Our commitment extends to helping local communities, fostering better educational systems, supporting the arts and culture, helping disadvantaged youth, protecting and improving the environment and encouraging employee volunteerism.

Our strategic philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are aligned to our key businesses and focus on three distinct areas:  arts and culture, technology and the environment, with a particular emphasis on education in each of those areas.  We are also quick to provide assistance when large-scale disasters strike.  We've helped victims of major hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and wildfires and the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. 

The notion of corporate citizenship is deeply embedded in the culture of Sony in America.  We're proud of the programs and partnerships that have touched thousands of lives throughout the U.S. and of the thousands of Sony employees who have given generously of themselves in support of our goals"

I view Sony Playstation as a very Ethical and Socially Responsible product and company.