An Analysis of Internal Business Management and Ethical Issues of Uber in the UK—Based on Utilitarianism, Deontology and Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

This paper delves into the ethical issues surrounding Uber Technologies Inc., a multinational transportation services company, with a particular focus on its private car hire business in the United Kingdom. The analysis is grounded in three ethical frameworks: utilitarianism, deontology, and corporate social responsibility. The paper begins by acknowledging the widespread adoption of Uber's services in the UK, highlighting its rapid growth and the controversies that have accompanied it.The paper first identifies the primary ethical issue arising from Uber's dominance in the ground transportation market. From a utilitarian perspective, Uber's expansion is deemed ethical as it enhances the overall happiness of the community by providing flexible work opportunities for millions and safer transportation services to passengers. However, this expansion has come at the cost of taxi drivers, who have lost business and face an unfair competitive landscape.The analysis then shifts to a deontological perspective, which emphasizes the importance of fair competition and adherence to categorical imperatives. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the third ethical framework employed in this analysis. The paper underscores Uber's responsibility to maintain the social structure and ensure the well-being of all stakeholders. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the ethical issues associated with Uber's private car hire business in the UK, drawing on utilitarianism, deontology, and corporate social responsibility. It highlights the challenges faced by the company in balancing its growth with ethical considerations and offers recommendations for future action.