BUS 243 Responsible Leadership
Word Count: 3297
Would you, as CEO of Axel Springer, do
something about the issue of conflict
minerals?
, In this essay, I will argue that as the CEO of Axel Springer I would take actions regarding the
issue of conflict minerals. Axel Springer is a German Publisher and a leading integrated
multimedia corporation in Europe (Buck, 2019). Conflict minerals is referred to the four
minerals: tantalum, tungsten, tin and gold, required to produce our electronic devices which
we use on a regular basis (Hofmann, Müller and Bhattacharya, 2014). However, these
minerals are mined under circumstances of armed conflict and human right abuses which are
later sold or traded by armed forces (Great Britain, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, 2013).
The severity of the issue is at its highest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as they
hold some of the world’s largest mineral wealth. Eastern Congo especially is one of the most
violence-stricken regions, mainly because of the area’s large quantity of minerals. Companies
are at risk of being affected by the supply chain contamination with conflict minerals.
To justify my actions, I plan to breakdown my key arguments in four parts. Firstly, I will
relate the issue from an individual level and address the importance of decreasing the usage
of conflict minerals for digital devices because it is morally the right thing to do. I will show
that my decision is based on a non-consequentialist (deontological) perspective. This will be
further supported by ethical theories including virtue of ethics and ethics of duty. Secondly, I
will argue that if a leader is ethical then it is highly probable that they will gain a group of
ethical followers. My decision to act for the issue of conflict minerals can establish an ethical
working environment which might remain embedded in the organisation’s culture for the
long term. As a leader this is a great chance to prove my leadership potential by motivating
my employees and providing them with an ethical vision/mission. This can help me in
building a stronger and positive relationship with my employees which can promote better
trust and efficiency in the company’s working environment. This argument will be supported
by ethical leadership and transformational theory. Then, I will direct my argument towards
organisational level and address the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). My
argument is that an establishment performs better when they achieve long term sustainability
which in return can aid in increasing the firm’s revenue, profitability and brand image.
Moreover, using the stakeholder’s theory I will show that if an organisation cares for all its
stakeholders it has a higher chance to achieve long term sustainability rather than focusing
only on investors and shareholders. Finally, I will include a personal self - reflection as well
as two recommendations consisting realistic action plans to tackle the on-going situation.
1|Page
Word Count: 3297
Would you, as CEO of Axel Springer, do
something about the issue of conflict
minerals?
, In this essay, I will argue that as the CEO of Axel Springer I would take actions regarding the
issue of conflict minerals. Axel Springer is a German Publisher and a leading integrated
multimedia corporation in Europe (Buck, 2019). Conflict minerals is referred to the four
minerals: tantalum, tungsten, tin and gold, required to produce our electronic devices which
we use on a regular basis (Hofmann, Müller and Bhattacharya, 2014). However, these
minerals are mined under circumstances of armed conflict and human right abuses which are
later sold or traded by armed forces (Great Britain, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, 2013).
The severity of the issue is at its highest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as they
hold some of the world’s largest mineral wealth. Eastern Congo especially is one of the most
violence-stricken regions, mainly because of the area’s large quantity of minerals. Companies
are at risk of being affected by the supply chain contamination with conflict minerals.
To justify my actions, I plan to breakdown my key arguments in four parts. Firstly, I will
relate the issue from an individual level and address the importance of decreasing the usage
of conflict minerals for digital devices because it is morally the right thing to do. I will show
that my decision is based on a non-consequentialist (deontological) perspective. This will be
further supported by ethical theories including virtue of ethics and ethics of duty. Secondly, I
will argue that if a leader is ethical then it is highly probable that they will gain a group of
ethical followers. My decision to act for the issue of conflict minerals can establish an ethical
working environment which might remain embedded in the organisation’s culture for the
long term. As a leader this is a great chance to prove my leadership potential by motivating
my employees and providing them with an ethical vision/mission. This can help me in
building a stronger and positive relationship with my employees which can promote better
trust and efficiency in the company’s working environment. This argument will be supported
by ethical leadership and transformational theory. Then, I will direct my argument towards
organisational level and address the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). My
argument is that an establishment performs better when they achieve long term sustainability
which in return can aid in increasing the firm’s revenue, profitability and brand image.
Moreover, using the stakeholder’s theory I will show that if an organisation cares for all its
stakeholders it has a higher chance to achieve long term sustainability rather than focusing
only on investors and shareholders. Finally, I will include a personal self - reflection as well
as two recommendations consisting realistic action plans to tackle the on-going situation.
1|Page
