An ethical matrix analysis of the thai tapioca-chip drying yard business

Abstract

The qualitative research described in this article analyzed ethical concerns in the efforts of the Thai tapioca-chip business to develop guidelines to address ethical problems and promote sustainable business practices. The conceptual tool known as the ethical matrix was employed to analyze data collected through in-depth interviews with purposively selected informants. Findings showed a map of ethical concerns of five interest groups, that is, cassava farmers, employees in tapioca-chip drying yards, communities and the environment in the neighborhood of these drying yards, customers, and tapioca-chip businesses. These concerns were categorized according to the ethical principles of well-being, autonomy and justice. Through the lens of the Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), these concerns were further classified into two groups under the layers of ethical and philanthropic responsibilities. The overview of ethical concerns in the Thai tapioca-chip business revealed a significant element toward the development of business sustainability. This was the element of corporate citizenship based on empathy that the tapioca-chip drying yards had for cassava farmers and communities.