The purpose of sobriety checkpoints that are set up by community and state police is to deter drunk driving and ultimately save lives. While not mandated, the makers of Blackberry have complied with the public request of several legislators and have obediently removed apps that permit smartphone users to navigate around the checkpoints. Google and Apple have elected not to honor such requests. After studying about ethics and social responsibility, which of the following statements applies to this situation?
A) Laws represent the minimum guidelines that companies must follow, whereas a firm's ethical stance may venture beyond the minimum level of compliance.
B) Google and Apple are showing corporate social responsibility because they demonstrate concern for their investors, which is exactly where their focus should be.
C) Blackberry is acting philanthropically toward government.
D) Google and Apple are showing their distrust for big government, and their avoidance of contributing toward philanthropic causes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This situation highlights the difference between legal compliance and ethical responsibility. Blackberry has chosen to comply with the request to remove certain apps, which may be seen as the minimum level of compliance with laws and regulations. However, Google and Apple have chosen not to comply, which may be seen as a reflection of their ethical stance and responsibility towards their customers and the wider society.

The Purpose of Sobriety Checkpoints That Are Set Up by Community