Discuss the extent to which the stakeholders of a large clothing retailer might want the business to become more ethical and socially responsible.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [17-20] Effective evaluation of the extent to which stakeholders of a large clothing retailer might want the business to become more ethical and socially responsible.
2. [13-16] Limited evaluation and good analysis of the extent to which stakeholders of a large clothing retailer might want the business to become more ethical and socially responsible
3. [11-12] Analysis of the extent to which stakeholders of a large clothing retailer might want the business to become more ethical and socially responsible Limited analysis, with application, of the extent to which the stakeholders of a business might want it to become
4. [5-10] more ethical and socially responsible. Alternatively limited analysis with application of the extent to which a business might want to become more ethical and socially responsible.
5. [1-4] Understanding of stakeholders / retailers / ethics / social responsibility
6. [0] No creditable content
7. [20] Candidates may well recognise that such a business will have different stakeholders – customers, suppliers, employees, managers, owners, shareholders, communities, who may well have different and possibly conflicting objectives / ideals.
8. [20] There are opportunities for a business to focus only on making profits and this could lead to unethical and socially irresponsible behaviour, e.g. exploiting low wage / child labour clothing production.
9. [20] The main objectives of the business may be - Profit maximisation - Being socially responsible and ethically minded - Cost reduction e.g. cheap clothing production - Short-term profitability - Long-term sustainability - Building reputation - Establishing a competitive advantage through ethics and social responsibility
10. [20] Evaluative comments might discuss questions such as who the dominant stakeholders are and what the dominant business objectives are. The answer may well depend on stakeholder perceptions of what is best for the business / society in short and long term.
11. [20] Stronger evaluation may mention the influence of social/political pressure for more ethical and socially responsible business activity, which could give stakeholders little choice in the matter, or the influence of the business cultures in individual countries, or the stage of economic development in different countries.